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Norristown Centennial, May 10, 1912 

The Captain-Director before the Court House of Montgomery County. 



NORRISTOWN 



1812-1912 



A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH OF NORRISTOWN. MEMORIAL- 
IZING ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY. TOGETHER WITH 
MAPS SHOWING THE COMPLETE EVOLUTION OF THE 
BOROUGH AND VIEWS OF THE TOWN IN THE DRESS OF ITS FIRST 
CENTENNIAL. GROUPS OF CITIZENS. DISTINGUISHED GUESTS. 
AND SCENES FROM THE FIRST HISTORICAL PAGEANT. 

By 

REV. THEODORE HEYSHAM, Ph. D. 




MEMORIAL EDITION 

ILLUMINATED 

1913 






Copyright, 1913, 
By THEODORE HEYSHAM. 



NORRISTOWN HERALD PRINTERS 



^' 



)CI,A358770 



To the members of the Historical Society of Montgomery 
County, who honored me with their call and inspired me by 
their confidence to take up the task which has culminated in 
this memorial ; 

To the large-hearted citizens of the Borough of Norristown, 
who by their generosity awakened within me the feelings of 
obligation for the performance of this duty; 

To the noble pathfinders in the footsteps of our fathers, 
those patient investigators in the fields of local history, who by 
their labors have made me their debtor ; 

To the silent partner of all life's enterprises, and not the 
least in all the responsibilities terminating in this one, my wife ; 

To these, one and all, this volume is 

DEDICATED 

In reverence, in sincerity, in love, and sent forth to the 

generations of to-day and to the generations 

of to-morrow as a 

MEMORIAL 

OF THE 

One Hundredth Anniversary 

OF THE 

Borough of Norristown. 



CONTENTS: 



PAGE 

INTRODUCTION 9-15 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF NORRISTOWN. 

Norristown. A Survey 17-18 

A. Early Inhabitants and Settlers 19-22 

1. Indians 19 

2. Dutch Settlers 19 

3. Swedish Settlers 19-20 

4. Welsh and English Quakers 20-21 

5. German Settlers ' 21-22 

6. Scotch and Irish Settlers 22 

B. Colonial Norristown 23-24 

7. Old Log Cabin 23 

8. Indian Trail. Modern Streets 23-24 

9. Trappers and Traders 24 

10. Norris and Trent Purchase. 1704. Isaac 

Norris 24-25 

11. Public Sale of Norriton Plantation. 1771. 

Charles Norris 25-26 

12. Strife between Fishermen and Boatmen 

settled. The Schuylkill. Navigiation. 
B'arbadoes Island 27-28 

13. Location of County Seat. 1784 28-32 

a. Meeting. Public Buildings. Work of 

Penn 28-29 

b. Colonial Norristown. 

c. Composite map of Norristown 1784 and 

1812. Population and Progress 1812- 

1850 29-32 

14. Trustees of the University of the State of 

Pennsylvania executing deed for Court 
House Lot. 1785 32-33 

15. Fete at William Moore ^Smith's. 1784. The 

"Town of Norris." Leaders in develop- 
ment 33-34 

C. Revolution 35-37 

16. Continental Troops. Washington, Muh- 

lenberg, Porter 35-36 

17. British Troops. Property burned 36 

18. French Allies. Lafayette. Invitation to 

visit Norristown 36-37 

D. Norristown after 1812 38-50 



6 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

PAGE 

19. War of 1812. Town Illumination 38 

Composite map of Norristown 1812 and 

1912. Growth, in Area, Population, Indus- 
try, Wealth. 1850-1912 38-40 

20. Governor siigns Charter. 1812. Borough 

Seal 41 

21. Oath of Office First President of Council. 

Form of government 41-42 

22. "Pat Lyon" Fire Engine. Modern equip- 

ment andi system 42-43 

23. Woman's Suffrage 43 

24. Churches and Education 43-48 

a. Old Academy. 1803. Educators, Pub- 
lic Schools, Professions 43-45 

to. St. John's P. E. Church. 1813 45-46 

c. First Presbyterian Cburcli 1815 46-47 

d. First Baptist Church. 1833 47 

e. First M. E. Church. 1834 47 

f . St. Patrick's R. C. CburctL. 1837 48 

g. Reformed Church of Ascension. 1847. 

Other Churches 48 

25. Old Ironsides. 1832. Multiplied means of 

communication 49-50 

26. Mexican War. 1846-7 50 

E. Rebellion and Later 51-57 

27. Responding to the call of "Father Abra- 

ham." Roll of Honor 51-53 

2S. Departure of Troops. Memorial iShaft 53 

29. Abolition. Samuel Aaron. Lucretia 

Mott. Slaves bought 54 

30. Grand Army of the Republic 54-55 

31. Spanish-American War. 1898 55 

32. The Holy City. The Ideals of modern 

civilization 55-56 

II. Historical Pageant. Norristown Centennial, Friday, 
May 10, 1912. 

1. Committees 59-60 

2. Pageant Personnel 60-62 

3. Report on Finances and Contributions to 

Pageant 63-68 

4. Report on Pageant Lecture 69-71 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



PAGE 

1. Frontispiece. The Captain-Director before the Court 

House of Montgomery County, Rev. Theodore Heysham, 

2. Miain Street west from DeKalb Street ... -ii 

3. Main Street east from Swede Street jj 

4. DeKalb Street south from Main Street .'.*.. TT 

5. DeKalb Street north from i^afayette Street iT 

G. The Centennial Reception Committee ... ic 

7. Group of Citizens. City Hall jc 

8. Governor John K. Tener, Mayor Rudolph " Blankenburg iand 

citizens ^^ 

9. Grand Stand Historical Day ...'.'..'.". '. '.'.'..".'.'.'.'.".'. 15 

10. Head of line. Grand Captain Samuel Roberts and "staff " 21 

11. Hdad of Division A. Albert Rowland Garner M D Mr 

Lewis Y. Smith (Bridgeport), and Mr. Charles W Walker 

(Devon) 2i 

12. Herald 1. H. Wilson Stahlnecker, Esq., and Indians 21 

13. Herald 6. Mr Morgan Hunter and Scotch-Irish Settlers" ' 21 

14. Scene 2. Dutch Settlers " " ' 23 

15. Scene 4. Welsh and English Quakers 23 

16. Scene 7. Old Log Cabin * .' 23 

17. Scene 9. Trapper's Hut .'..'.'.'.*.".*"!!'.'.'.'" 23 

18. Scene 10. Norris and Trent Purchase 1704 ...... [ [ . .' . ' 25 

Left to right. Mr. Samuel F. Troutman, Mr. Sherman Car- 
ney, Mr. Walter Gehringer, Mr. Palmer P. Troutrnan, 
Misis Sarah H. Roberts, Miss Katherine M. Schweyer, Mr.' 
John Gleason. 

19. Map of Norrlton Plantation and Mill Tract . 27 

20. Map, "The Town of Norris" '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 29 

21. Composite Map of Norristown 1784 and 1812 29 

22. Scene 15. Fete at William Moore Smith's. 1784.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.' 33 
Top row, standing: Left to right. Mr. Edward Harl'e'y, 

Joseph Knox Fornance, Esq., Miss Jean Buchanan, Mr! 
Aaron Swartz, Jr. Middle row, seated: Miss Margaret 
Coleman, Miss Anne Swartz, Miss Catharine Eastwick, 
Miss Alice Childs. Bottom row, seated: Mr. Noble Cole- 
man, Miss Helen Barnes, Mr. Rohert M. Harley. 

23. Scene 16. General George Washington (Mr. Harvey A. 

Detwiler) 37 

24. Scene 17. General Clinton (Mr. C. S. Schlosser) ...'.'.'.'.'.'.' 37 

25. Scene 18 Betsy Ross maldng Flag 37 

26. Zouave Drum Corps and Boys in Blue 37 

27. Composite Map of Norristown, 1812 and 1912 39 

28. Scene 20. Governor Simon Snyder (Mr. Elias D. Gotwals) 

signing Charter. 1812 41 

29. Head of Division D. J. Ambler Williams, Esq., Henry C. 

Welker, M. D., Mr. Thomas H. Livezey 45 



5 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

PAGE 

30. Scene 24. Model of Old Academy. 1803 45 

31. Soene 24. Models of the old churcties. First Presbyterian, 

1815; First Baptist, 1833; First Methodist Episcopal, 1834; 

Reformed Church of Ascension, 1847 45 

32 Scene 24. St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church Group . . 45 

33. Governor John K. Tener, Mayor Blankenburg and Group 

of Citizens, City Hall, Monday, May 6, 1912. (Two scenes) . 49 

34. Scene 25. Old Ironsides. 1832 49 

35. Scenes' 16, 17, 18, Colonial, British and French Troops 49 

36. Scene 29. Abolition. Left to right. Pulpit. Miss Anna 

Paiste as Lucretia Mott, Mr. George N. McGlathery, Mr. 
Harry Irons. First Seat. Mr. H. B. Glisson, Miss Ger- 
trude Anderson, Miss Elsie Seltzer, Mrs. George N. Mc- 
Glathery. Second Seat, Mr. R. Roniald Dettre, Mr. Linn 
A. Dettre, Mr. B. C. A. Moyer, Mrs. Wm. Curll 53 

37. Scene 32. Tlie Holy City 55 

Left to right. On Throne: Miss Joanna P. Ross, Miss 

Lidla M. Barnshaw, now Mrs. Glenn C. Bnnis, Miss Mary 
Heister Weber (Faith, Hope, Love). Foot of Throne: 
( Miss Anna Stewart Heysham, Master Theodore Heysham, 
Jr. (a little child shall lead them). Mr. Wm. Keech (Ro- 
man Catholic Cardinal). Mr. Granville Taylor (Prophet). 
Mr. George E. Weirman (Jewish High Priest). Mr. Turner 
Moorehead (Labor). Miss Ettabelle F. Johnson (Goddess 
of Peace). Mr. Walter Adams (Capital). Mr. Elwood 
Wonsetler and Mr. J. Harvey Rex (Wlar). 

38. Captain-Director, Rev. Theodore Heysham, Ph. D 57 

39. Grand Captain, Mr. Samuel Roberts 57 

40. Grand Captain and Grand Marshals at Mr. H. B. Tyson's 

Home. From left to right, Mr. William C. Benner, Mr. S. 
Russell Neiman, Mr. J. Frank Boyer, Mr. Samuel Roberts, 
Mr. Wm. O. Yost, O. P. Lenhardt, Esq., Mr. Benj. F. Evans, 

Mr. B. Frank Stritzinger 59 

41. DeKalb Street south from Marshall Street 59 

42. Marshall Street west from Astor Street 59 

43. Marshall Street east from George Street 59 

44. Divisiion Grand Marshal, Mr. H. B. Tyson 61 

45. Grand Marshal, O. F. Lenhardt, Esq 61 

46. Grand Marshal, Mr. J. Frank Boyer 61 

47. Assistant Grand Marshal, Mr. Wm. C. Benner 63 

48. Assistant Grand Marshal, Mr. Wm. O. Yost 63 

49. Assistant Grand Marshal, Mr. S. Russell Neimian 63 

50. Division Grand Marshal, Albert Rowland Garner, M. D 65 

51. Herald 8. Mr. Kenneth Stauffer 65 

52. Herald 14. Mr. Edwin Wentz 65 

53. Assistant Grand Marshal, Mr. Benj. F. Evans 67 

54. Herald 18. Mr. Z. T. Smith 67 

55. Herald 2D. Mr. Wm. G. Barber. (Bridgeport.) 67 

56. Assistant Division Grand Marshal, G. Carroll Hoover, Esq. 69 

57. Assistant Division Grand Marshal, Henry C. Welker, M. D. 69 

58. Assistant Division Grand Marshal, Mr. Percy J. Fell 69 

59. Division Grand Marshal, Mr. Howard Simpson 71 

60. Assistant Division Grand Marshal, Mr. William Jarrett 71 

61. Assistant Division Grand Marshal, Mr. Wallace Hitner 71 

62. Fac-simile of The Philadelphia Press, May 11, 1912 end 



INTRODUCTION. 



"Fervet Opus." This is the ideal set us by the Fathers of 
Norristown for the inhabitants thereof. It is a noble ideal. 
Literally it means, "Let Labor Glow." This ideal enlarged 
would be, "Let the Fires of Life be Revealed in the Enter- 
prises of Life." Such an ideal gives dignity to labor and 
meaning to life. Labor yields satisfaction to him who labors 
only as the laborer puts a purpose into his labor. Purposeless 
toil is slavery. It was the thought of the Fathers that the la- 
borer should see himself in his labor and find his highest joy 
in achievement. Thus and thus only^ should Norristown be- 
come the Home of the Happy. 

A double purpose is involved in the presentation of this 
iiitle volume to the public. First, it is a memorial, a memorial 
of the one hundredth anniversary of the Borough of Norris- 
town to be passed on to the generations that shall come after. 
As a memorial, it will grow in value with the growing years. 
One hundred years hence, those who seek to memorialize the 
achievements of their Fathers will turn to its pages with inter- 
est and profit. And in that day when the achievements of a 
Greater Norristown shall be memorialized, the Norristown of 
to-day will rejoice in spirit and not be ashamed. 

Nor will this little voliume alone be cherished as a me- 
morial by those of the future. The present has a just pride in 
its own life. Those who participated in the scenes and events 
of the first centennial will find a joy in reviving their own ex- 
periences. Children also will delight in its pictured pages. 
Ihen, too, there is a human interest which centres in friend 
and relative that is imperishable. 



10 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

The first purpose lends its influence to the second. The 
memorial is inseparably associated with the historical. This 
little volume aims to present in brief compass the more im- 
portant facts and events connected with the life of Norristown. 
It makes no pretense at being comprehensive and exhaustive. 
It does seek to put matters of interest and of importance in a 
compact and attractive form, easy of assimilation and handy 
for service. 

In an age overcrowded with activity and social demands, 
iuch a volume should find a welcome at the hands of both 
youth and maturity. Many, it is hoped, will be lured to the 
reading of such a brief history who would be deterred by a 
more voluminous treatise. There is a double blessing in such 
a result. To popularize local history tends to stimulate an 
incelligent local pride and to give birth to a well balanced local 
patriotism. To be able to speak sanely and intelligently about 
one's home city lends the charm of culture to the speaker and 
wins for the city itself the attraction and admiration of the 
liearer. An intelligent and sane citizen is an asset of great 
valine to any community. 

The form of the historical presentation has been deter- 
mim;d by the memorial purpose. The form itself is history. 
Aiound the historic events memorialized in the first centennial 
of the Borough of Norristown have been gathered the ma- 
terials presented. The form is at once simple and natural. 
Events follow in the order of succession, not every event but 
the chief events. As life ever moves onward towards its goal 
so the effort has been made to cause the life of this community 
to move in successive panoramic pictures from the earliest 
days to the present. It will be a satisfaction to the artist if the 
effort, put forth in sincerity, shall be in a measure successful. 

The four maps included in this vokime are a history in 
themselves. The map of the "Town of Norris" is here repro- 
duced for the first time outside of the Deed Book in our Court 
House. The street scenes, groups of citizens and scenes from 




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INTRODUCTION. 11 

the historical pageant will serve the purpose of history in a 
most valuable and pleasing manner. 

Norristown's Centennial observance began on Sunday, 
May 5, 1912. Special services were held in all the churches 
during the day and a mass meeting in the afternoon in the 
Grand Opera House. Monday was Municipal and Education- 
al Day. Governor John K. Tener and Mayor Blankenburg 
w ere the special guests of honor. Tlie public school pageant 
"Aith the thousands of children in costumes, varied and historic, 
was one of the most beautiful and inspiring spectacles ever wit- 
nessed within the borough. Civic Day was observed on Tues- 
day, Industrial on Wednesday and Firemen's on Thursday. 
Ihis last was the largest parade of the week's celebration, 
which closed with Military Day. Friday, the most beautiful 
day of all so far as the weather was concerned, was Historical 
Day. A meeting under the auspices of the Historical Society 
of Montgomery County was held in the Grand Opera House 
ui the morning and in the evening a banquet was given in the 
City Hall under the auspices of the Historical Society, the 
Daughters of the Revolution and the Civic Club. The His- 
torical Pageant was the feature of the afternoon. It was 
then that Norristown saw herself for the first time in pageant- 
ry. The experiences connected therewith are worthy of note. 
Pageantry is unintentionally presumptuous, consciously 
spectacular, always dramatic. It deals with history as though 
it were something that could be handed out in chunks. It 
asks society to line up in a sort of historical "bread line" that 
it may satisfy its hunger for reality as the historical fragments 
are passed along the line. 

Pageantry, however, is not to be criticized because of 
its presumption nor yet because of its spectacular and dramatic 
characteristics. It must of necessity repeat the methods of 
the kindergarten and the stage. The purpose of the pageant, 
as of the kindergarten and the stage, is the same — to please 



12 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

and to instruct. In the pageant the living must impersonate 
the dead and the dead must appear to live again. 

Pageantry came to Norristown as a pressing suitor. The 
mature maiden was so surprised at the proposal that she 
hesitated. It was so sudden. Nervous folks thought to get a 
professional "match-maker" in the form of a pageant builder 
to come to the rescue. They little realized that all their 
anxiety was vain. The thing was inevitable. Wiser heads 
saw the one thing needful was a minister. The minister was 
secured and arrangements for the great event consummated. 

P'ebruary 22, 1912, the announcement went forth that 
Miss Norristown had accepted Mr. Pageantry. Presents and 
congratulations began to multiply, the account of which may 
be read in this volume. The great event took place on the af- 
ternoon of Friday, May the tenth, nineteen hundred and 
twelve, at two-thirty o'clock. This was the exact day on 
which Norristown began her activities as a borough. The 
borough was incorporated Tuesday, March 31, 1812, but the 
first corporate act was on Friday, May i, 1812. The Histori- 
cal Pageant occurred on Friday, May 10, 1912, just 100 years 
later. 

It was a brilliant affair and the day was perfect. Every- 
body was pleased, delighted. The newspapers vied with one 
another in words of praise and appreciation. 

The Norristown Daily Herald said, "The pageant was su- 
perb. It was a spectacle which will linger long in the memory 
of every man, woman and child who' witnessed it. It was in- 
structive ; it was dignified ; it was historically accurate in every 
detail. What more could be asked ; what more could be ex- 
pected?" 

The Norristown Daily Register said, "The pageant was 
highly instructive and made a firm and lasting impression up- 
on every one of the thousands who witnessed it." 

The Norristown Times said : "A two-mile pageant, gor- 
geous in costuming, rich in historical lore, of great educational 



INTRODUCTION. 



13 



value, and interesting in its personnel and characteristics, 
marked Historical Day." 

''The spectacle had been planned on broad lines with the 
end in view of not only making it beautiful, but also impres- 
sive and edifying." 

The report of those entrusted with the management of the 
pageant was made pubhc through the newspapers September 
7, 1912. A formal report was made to the Historical Society 
of Montgomery County, November 16, 1912. This report is 
included in this volume. 

In making the report to the Historical Society the Or- 
ganizer and Director made certain recommendations concern- 
ing the securing of the negatives collected and the obtaining 
of a book with a complete set of pictures from the same. 

The Historical Society unanimously approved the recom- 
mendations, and on motion of J. P. Hale Jenkins, Esq., a 
committee was appointed to carry out the recommendations, 
which committee consisted of Joseph Fornance, Esq., 
President of the Historical Society ; Mr. Samuel Roberts and 
Rev. Theodore Heysham, Ph. D. 

The committee completed its work. The album contain- 
ing over 250 pictures of street scenes, decorations, groups of 
citizens and scenes of the Historical Pageant is now in the 
possession of the Historical Society, together with all the 
negatives of the same, except those owned by private indi- 
viduals and loaned for the purpose. 

Thinking to add to the joy and inspiration and education- 
al value of Norristown's Centennial by making the scenes 
available for the larger public service, the Director had the 
scenes above-mentioned converted into lantern slides. 

Before presenting these lantern pictures to the public they 
were shown privately to a committee, consisting of Mr. Sam- 
uel Roberts, Joseph Knox Fornance, Esq., Mr. B. Frank 
Stritzinger and Mr. George E. Weirman. These gentlemen 
were delighted with the scenes and recommended that they be 



14 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

presented with descriptive lecture and musical accompani- 
ments in the Grand Opera House in the near future. 

The lecture was arrang-ed for and given in the Grand 
Opera House on the evening of February 25, 1913. Geller's 
orchestra of ten pieces furnished the instrumental music ac- 
companymg the scenes, givmg them a realistic appearance. 
The Ursinus Glee Club rendered selections between the first 
and second parts of the program. The lecture was given by 
Dr. Theodore Heysham. 

The entertainment met with popular favor and was a 
great success. An indication of the appreciation on the part 
of the public may be gathered from the appended reports tak- 
en from newspapers the following" day. 

Norristown Daily Herald : "A most pleasing entertain- 
ment. What a thrill of joy and admiration will fill the hearts 
and minds of the people yet unborn when a century hence the 
beautiful pageantry can be displayed. " 

Norristown Times : "A fine treat. In years to come 
(the slides) wll be regarded with the deepest kind of interest 
by the residents of Norristown and vicinity. 

"That Norristown had reason to be proud of her Histori- 
cal Pageant, which was a conspicuous feature of last May's 
Centennial Celebration, was fully realized by many, but the 
fact was emphasized last night, when, at the Grand Opera 
House, its scenes were reproduced on the screen by the aid 
of rapid fire photog-raphy and powerful projecting apparatus." 
Norristown Daily Register: "Interesting, instructive, 
and decidedly entertaining was the first presentation of Nor- 
ristown's Historical Pageant illustrated by means of over 200 
lantern slides. 

"The audience last evening was a large and representa- 
tive one. They enjoyed the entertainment from beginning to 
end and were liberal in their applause." 

From the proceeds of the lecture this volume was made 
possible. And when this volume shall have been presented 




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INTRODUCTION. 15 

to the public the first Historical Pageant of the Borough of 
Norristown will have been as fittingly and as perfectly pre- 
served for future generations as human conditions made pos- 
sible. 

To all who have contributed to the making of the Histori- 
cal Pageant such a signal success in memorializing the lootli 
anniversary of the Borough of Norristown as well as in its 
adequate preservation there will ever remain the conscious- 
ness of the grateful appreciation of those of this generation 
and of the generations to come. 

There remains a final word of appreciation on the part of 
the author to the generous hearts who gave encouragement 
and assistance in the work of the preparation and publication 
of this volume. Through their Pabors of love one laborer has 
found joy in his labor. 

Theodore Heysham. 

Norristown, 

December, 1913. 




NORRISTOWN. 



Beautiful for situation is the Boroug-h of Norristowiij 
seventeen miles northwest from the City of Philadelphia. Her 
peaceful homes nestle securely upon three gently sloping hills. 
TJie Schuylkill^ flowing silently at her feet, offers refreshment 
and joy. Nature has been profuse in her gifts and civilization 
has not withheld her blessings. Thirty thousand people live 
happily within the boundaries and ten thousand more just be- 
yond. 

There are no weird legends or extraordinary events as- 
sociated with the place. The founders were neither suckled 
by a she-wolf nor fed by a woodpecker. No ancient ruins, 
historic halls, great battle fields or tragic memorials challenge 
the attention. Not the glories of the past but those of the fu- 
ture are the charms which hold the hearts of the people to 
their tasks. 

Memorials of glory, however, are the surrounding heri- 
tage of Norristown. In one direction is Independence Hall ; 
in another. Valley Forge. Washington, Lafayette, the Muh- 
lenbergs, Anthony Wayne, Lydia Darrah — these are the hon- 
o?ed names of those whose deeds of heroism are inseparably 
a'^sociated with the environment. If Norristown did not shel- 
ter an Agassiz, she did an Audubon. If she cannot claim as a 
neighbor a Benjamin West, she can claim a Hovenden. If 
Benjamin Franklin broug'ht the lightnings out of the skies near 
Philadelphia, David Ritten'house read the mystery of the heav- 
ens near Norristown. 

The inspirations of nature, the glories of life, the oppor- 
tunities for the future are not lacking in this vicinity. The 
lines are fallen unto us in pleasant places and ours has been a 
goodly heritage. The danger for us is not that there shall be 



18 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

too little in which to glory and to rejoice, but that there shall 
be too little of a desire to share and to welcome. Looking 
back through the centuries, our country has stood for oppor- 
tunity, that opportunity which means the open gates for all 
who are worthy. 

What is true of America as a whole is true also of this 
particular locality. Viewing our own history we behold the 
successive migrations of peoples. It is as though we were 
standing upon the shores of life's ocean, watching wave after 
wave of humanity rise far out in the great deep and, rolling 
in, break upon the shores of time. So came those successive 
waves of humanity rolling up our valley — the Dutch, the 
Swedes, the Welsh, the English, the German, the Scotch and 
Irish. These waves of humanity wrestled one with the other 
and with their environments until they came to rest in that 
grand harmony of life. But the end is not yet. The waves 
are coming still. Other waves of humanity are breaking up- 
on the shores and rolling up the valley — the Slavs, the Poles, 
the Italians, the Jews, the Negroes. Humanity seems like the 
lestless ocean, ever changing, perpetually moving, ceaselessly 
rolling onward. The historian of another century will record 
the deeds of these new arrivaiis. It is our responsibility to 
speak of those of the past. 



A. 
EARLY INHABITANTS AND SETTLERS 

Scene i. 

The Indians. 

The first European settlers found the Indians when they 
arrived. Those in this section were the Lenni Lenape, and 
consisted of three clans — the Turkey, the Turtle, and the 
Wolf. They were g'enerally known among the settlers as 
Delawares, because they lived along the river bearing that 
name. Arrow heads, stone hammers and other stone imple- 
ments remain as witnesses of their life. 

The Delawares were in subjection for a time to the Iro- 
quois, but in 1785, at Tioga, through their chief, Teedyuscung, 
they secured an acknowledgment of their independence. 

Imrersonated and equipped by tbe Beaver, the Tecumseh and the 
Minne Kaunee Tribts of Red Men. 

Scene 2. 

The Dutch Settlers. 

Among the first Europeans to settle here were the Dutch. 
They gave the name Schuyl-Kiln (concealed river) to our river 
about 1616. That name and the family surnames beginning 
with the letter "V" are about the only records of their locat- 
ing here. The old Presbyterian church at Norriton is said to 
have been originally a Dutch Reformed Church, built, prob- 
ably about 1689, of logs. 

Impersonated by members of the Christ Reformed Church. 

Scene 3. 

The Swedish Settlers. 

The earliest Swedish settlements were on the Delaware 
river, near New Castle, in 1638. They called their territory 
New Sweden, About 1684 some Swedes secured land along 



20 NORRISfOWN'S HISTORY. 

the Schuylkill river. The Swedes' tract came into their pos- 
session in 1712. It embraced the territory between Bridge- 
port and the Lower Merion line, and was called "Ammasland." 
Among those who settled here were Mats Holstein, Gunner 
Rambo, Peter Rambo and Peter Yocum. Descendants of 
these remain in this locality. 

In 1735 a school house was built on land secured from 
Gunner Rambo. This school building was used as a preaching 
station for the Philadelphia district. All marriages, however, 
had to be solemnized in the old "Gloria Dei," Philadelphia. 
"Old Swedes," or the Swedish Lutheran Church, was built in 
1760, and a regular ministry estabhshed in this vicinity. 

The Swedes were an industrious, thrifty and religious peo- 
ple. They gathered furs from the Indians for shipment to 
Europe, and developed the land by means of agriculture. 

William Penn, in his "Present State of America," pub- 
lished in London in 1687, says, "As they (the Swedes) are a 
people proper and strong of body, so they have fine children 
and almost every house full, rare to find one of them without 
three or four boys and as many girls_, some six, seven or eight 
sons. And I must do them that right: I see few young men 
more sober and industrious." 

Impersonated by members of the Oak St. Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Scene 4. 

The Welsh and English Quakers. 

On March 4, 1681, Charles II afifixed his signature to a 
charter which granted William Penn a large tract of land on 
the west side of the Delaware river. This grant was in settle- 
ment of a claim of £ 16,000, due his father. Admiral Penn. 
September i, 1682, Penn, with about one hundred followers, 
embarked on the ship "Welcome." They arrived October 27, 
at New Castle on the Delaware. One-third died of small-pox 
on the voyage. Penn was welcomed with joy by the inhabit- 
ants, made up of English, Dutch and Swedes. 

Penn's followers were English and Welsh. In 1702 the 
Welsh were the most numerous. On June 23, 1686, a com- 




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EARLY INHABITANTS AND SETTLERS. 21 

pany left Plymouth, Devonshire, England, on the good ship 
"Desire," and settled in what is now Plymouth township. 

Their first Meeting House is still standing. It was built 
between 1710 and 1714, and was used as a hospital for the 
sick and wounded after the battle of Germantown. Prior to 
the building of this Meeting House, the Friends met at the 
homes of James Fox in 1686 and David Meredith in 1702. The 
two hundredth anniversary of Plymouth Meeting was ob- 
served with appropriate services September, 1912. 

A model of the old Plymouth meeting house, contributed by members 
of the Friends' Meeting of Norristown, appeared in the pageant. This 
model is now preserved at Plymouth Meeting House. 

Impersonated by members of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, 
and the Bethany Evangelical Church of Norristown. 

Scene 5. 

The German Settlers. 

Francis Daniel Pastorius with eight or nine others came to 
the vicinity of Germantown on the ship "America." This was 
August 20, 1683. Later, on August 6, thirteen families came 
on the ship "Concord." Germantown and Frankford preserve 
the memory of these little bands. Pastorius and his follow- 
ers were Mennonites. Their meeting houses dot the upper 
end of our county. 

The most distinguished representative of this people in 
this vicinity was David Rittenhouse, the distinguished astron- 
omer. He was born in Germantown in 1732. In 1734 his 
father, Matthias Rittenhouse, removed to Norriton, purchasing 
a farm of Isaac Norris. A part of this farm remains in the pos- 
session of the Rittenhouse family to this day. The Old Nor- 
riton Church property was originally a part of the Matthias 
Rittenhouse farm. He conveyed it to the Presbyterians about 
the year 1737. 

The German Lutherans, under the leadership of Henry 
Melchoir Muhlenberg, in 1742, made great progress. Muh- 
lenberg was one of the noblest figures in American church 
history. He died at New Providence (Trappe), Montgomery 
county, Pennsylvania, October 7, 1787. 

The first settled minister of the German Reformed 
Church was Philip Boehm. He came to America in 1720. 



22 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

His church (Boehm's) was and still is in Whitpain township, 
Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. 

The Pietists, or Mystics, with their long pil'grim staves, 
scholarly and liberal religious ideals, settled along the Ridge, 
in Roxborough. Moral perfection rather than outward form 
was their ambition in Hfe. They were peculiar in dress and 
habits, and, like the Quakers, refused to take oaths or bear 
arms. 

In 1734 the German settlers were twice as numerous in 
what is now Montgomery county, as all the rest combined. 

More than any other early settlers the Germans cling to 

ancient customs and language. 

Impersonated by members of tbe Trinity Reformed Church. 

Scene 6. 

The Scotch and Irish Settlers. 

The last of the important additions to the colony of Penn 
was tlie Scotch-Irish settlers. They came about the year 1700. 
They were sturdy pioneers, pushing out into the new regions. 
In religion they were mostly Presbyterians, driven out of 
Scotland and North Ireland by the persecutions under Charles 
II and James II. The Old Norriton Church was established 
by them prior to 1714, for in that year Rev. Malachi Jones, 
pastor of the Abington Presbyterian Church, began to^ preach 
tiiere statedly, continuing thus for 13 years. Benjamin 
Franklin and David Rittenhouse, the astronomer, are said to 
have worshipped here on occasions. 

The church was damaged during the Revolution by sol- 
diers using it for quarters. In consequence, the Assembly, 
September 17, 1785, permitted money for its repair to be 
raised by means of a lottery. Colonel Archibald Thompson, 
who died November i, 1799, lies buried here, as also Lieuten- 
cint Colonel Christopher Stuart, who died May 27, 1799. Both 
were officers in the Revolutionary War. 

The quaint Scot costume never loses its picturesqueness. 

The model of Oid Norriton Church, which was carried in the pageant, 
is now in the possession of the Lower Providence Presbyterian Church. 

Impersonated by members of Norristown High School and Lower 
Providence Presbyterian Church. 




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COLONIAL NORRISTOWN. 



Scene 7. 

Old Log Cabin. 

The first dwellings in Norristown were of logs, one story 
in height, with small windows and doors. The logs were 
secured from the extensive woodland of the surrounding 

country. 

By a happy circumstance after the pageant the model 
Old Los House, which appeared in this scene, was placed in 
Elmwood Park. This beautiful strip of land along Stony 
Creek comprises 32.76 acres. A splendid boulevard traverses 
the entire length. The OM Log House nestling in this re- 
treat of nature is at once a memorial oi the past and a testi- 
mony to the present, surrounded as it is by more than 6000 
comfortable and substantial homes of brick or of stone, filled 
with the conveniences and comforts of modern civilization. 

The float contributed by Mr. Adam Scheldt. Those who appeared on 
this float were from the Quaker City Shirt Co. andi- First Baptist Church of 
Bridgeport. 

Scene 8. 

Indian Trail. 

Egypt, or Main street, as it is now called, was at first only 
an Indian trail through the unbroken forest. From a trail it 
evolved into a path, then came the narrow, uncertain cartway 
and the country road, next the village street and finally the 
noisy paved highway of a busy and prosperous borough, the 
largest in the United States. 

The first effort to macadamize Main street was started 
March 25, 1833. It is now paved with brick or stone from 
end to end of the borough. But this is not all. The official 
report for 1912-1913 shows that Norristown has 12.91 miles of 
permanent paved streets and 18.37 miles of macadam streets 



24 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

or 31.28 miles of improved highways. These streets are 
lighted by means of 228 electric arc lamps besides other lamps. 
There are about 25 miles of sanitary sewers and 13 miles oi 
storm sewers beneath their surface besides water, gas and 
steam heat mains. These streets are further lined on either 
side with concrete or brick sidewalks. And yet in spite of 
these improvements the town is ambitious for better things. 

Impersonated by men of Grater-Bodey Company. Float contributed 
by Grater-Bodey Company. 

Scene 9. 

Trappers and Traders. 

The early settlers found in the forests and along the 
streams bea^^'ers, raccoons, sables, foxes, wild cats, lynxts, 
bears and deer. Wm. Penn speaks also of mink and mar- 
tens. These animals furnished food for sustenance. Their 
skins also were valuable. The Indians were expert in gath- 
ering furs and skins. One year they traded to the Swedes at 
New Castle 30,000 skins which they had procured from the 
country between the Schuylkill and the Susquehanna. 

Impersonated by members of the Paint and Powder Club. Float con- 
tributed by Neiman & Frey. 

Scene id. 

Norris and Trent Purchase. 1704. 

October 2, 1704, William Penn gave to his son, William 
Penn, Jr., the township of Norriton, which also included Nor- 
ristown. It contained 7482 acres and was called the "Manor 
of Williamstadt." Five days later young Penn sold the tract 
to Isaac Norris and Colonel William Trent for £850. Trent 
later, or about January 11, 1712, sold his part to Norris for 
£500, and removed to the vicinity of Trenton, New Jersey. 
Thus Trenton, New Jersey, and Norristolwn, Pennsylvania, 
preserve the names of these two pioneer, colonial gentle- 
men — Isaac Norris and Colonel Wm. Trent. 

The records show that Isaac Norris was born in Lon- 
don, July 26, 1 67 1, and that he removed to this country in 
1693, settling in the city of Philadelphia. He was active in 
public life. A member of the Governor's Council in 1709, 



COLONIAL NORRISTOWN, 25 

he later occupied the positions of Speaker of the Assembly, 
Justice of the county, and Mayor of the city. Beside the 
"Manor lof Williamstadt," he held large interests in North- 
ern Liberties, to which place he removed in 1718, having 
built a home at Fair Hill. 

The "Manor of Williamstadt" was changed, by order of 
the Court of Quarter Sessions of Philadelphia county, to 
Norritioin township in 1730. Four years later, 1734, there 
were twenty landholders and tenants in the township. In 
1741 there were twenty-five taxables; in 1828, two hundred 
and forty-five taxables ; and in 1849, three hundred and 
eighty taxables. 

Isaac Norris died June 4, 1736. His will, dated January 
17, 1 73 1, appointed his wife, Mary, and his sons, Isaac, 
Charles and Samuel, joint executors. Isaac died July 12, 
1766. Although active in public life, having been electied 
twiice as Speaker of Assemjbly, he will be remembered long- 
est by posterity as being the one who suggested the inscrip- 
tion on the "Liberty Bell" — "Proclaim Liberty throughout 
the land and to all the inhabitants thereof." Previous to 
his death there were sold portions of the estate tO' settlers, 
amounting to 1720 acres. The greater part of the land 
around Norristowni came intO' the possession of Charles. He 
erected a mill and made other improvements. 

Impersonated by men of Grater-Bodey Company. Float contributed 
by Grater-Bodey Company. 

Scene ii. 

Public Sale of Norriton Plantation. 1771. 

Much of the estate of Isaac Norris descended to his son, 
Charles, who was a merchant in Philadelphia. After the 
death of Charles Norris, January 12, 1766, and in order to 
settle the estate, his widow, Mary Norris, February 27, 
1771, offered at public auction, at the Archibald Thompson 
Inn (Jefifersonville), a tract of 543 acres, called the "Norriton 
Plantation and Mill Tract." This tract comprised the cen- 
tre of whht is now Norristown. The purchaser was Lewis 
Weiss, scrivenier, to whom she deeded the property the fol- 



26 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

lowing March for £4,270. The next day he conveyed it 
back to her for the same sum. John Bull, of Limerick 
township, then became the owner. September 17, 1771, he 
secured it for £4,600. Bull sold it to Rev. William Smith, 
D. D., November 2, 1776, for £6,000. 

It is well to remember that this tract of 543 acres in- 
cluded Barbadoes island, in the Schuylkill river. This island 
contained 88 acres and extended from a point below DeKalb 
street bridge to a point nearly opposite Merion station, a dis- 
tance loi over a mile. 

The lold manor house or mansion of Colonel John Bull 
stood a short distance north of Main street and west of Bar- 
bladoes street, or in the stable yard of what is now the Farm- 
er's hotel. It is said to have stood until a few years ago, 
when it gave way tO' building enlargements. 

Neither Isaac Norris nor his son Charles lived in this 
vicinity. But Charles Norris, son of Charles Norris and 
grandson of Isaac Norris, did. He was the only member 
of the Norris family to settle on the estate lof his father and 
grandfather in Norriton township. The part of the estate 
remaining in the family extended from Port Indian to Betz- 
wood. On this tnact, in 1809, he erected a house known as 
"Norris Hall," now the residence of Theodore Lane Bean, 
Esq. This Charles Norris wias born July 12, 1765, and died 
December 24, 1813, leaving three daughters but nO' sons. His 
body lies buried in the Norris family burying ground, con- 
nected with "Norris Hall" in Norriton township, Montgom- 
ery county, Pennsylvania. 

Two lineal descendants of Charles Norris reside at the 
present time in the borough of Norristown. Mr. Charles Nor- 
ris Rambo and his brother, Mr. Milton Howard Rambo, are 
great-great-grandsons of Charles Norris through his eldest 
daughter, Mary (Schrack). 

Impersonated by members of Y. M. C. A. and their lady friends. Float 
contributed by Rambo & Regar. 



ATidrew Crewford-. 




A DRAFT 

Of 543 j^ acres of land called the Norriton Plantation and Mill Tract, eighteen miles 
from the city of Philadelphia, and of that part of Barbadoes island in the river Schuylkill 
containing 88 acres, which is right opposite the said mill tract wherem the mills, mill dams, 
mill races, mill ponds, messuages, houses, barns and other buildings of the farm are laid down 
in their proper places. 

The whole premises, fast land and island, will be sold together by public vendue on 
Wednesday, the 27th of February, 1771, at Archibald Thompson's tavern in Norriton 
Township. 



colonial norristown. 27 

Scene 12. 

Strife Between Fishermen and Boatmen Settled. 

Prior to building the canal, and the dams to supply it, the 
navigation of the Schuylkill was extensive. Farmers and 
others along its banks brought their produce over it in canoes 
to Philadelphia markets and took home other goods on their 
return trip. 

The abundance of fish in the river induced those liv- 
ing along it to place rocks, dams and fish-weirs in the stream 
to assist them in catching the fish. This obstructed naviga- 
tion and in 1730 it was forbidden by law. Still the dams were 
built and the boatmen destroyed them. Violent struggles 
arose and tlrie contest lasted for years. It came to an end 
about the year 1769. This controversy first brought Nor- 
rington to the attention of the larger world. 

The Schuylkill river is 125 miles long. It has its origin 
in Schuylkill county, and empties into the Delaware. The 
map of 1689 shows about one-third of the length of the river 
and indicates that the part around here was well explored. 
Previous to 1810 it was crossed by means of fords and ferries 
at Flat Rock and PawHng-'s. Swedes' Ford was a noted 
place in 1730. 

In 1810, bridges were constructed across the river at 
Manayunk and Pawling's, in 18 19-21, at Pdtltstown, and in 
1828-9, '^'t Norristlojwn. 

Transportation was stimulated by the opening of the 
canal. On March 6, 1802, a Reading paper had the follow- 
ing: "Within the present week were taken down on the 
Schuylkill to the mills of the city of Philadelphia, in the btolats 
of this place, in one day, the following articles: 1201 barrels 
of flour, 1425 bushels of wheat, 17 tons of heavy iron, 1492 
gallons of whiskey, 365 pounds lo'f butter, and 500 pounds of 
snufif. The whole amounted to upwards of 160 tons, and 
would require, ini the present conditions of roads, at least 
160 teams of horses to haul the siame tiO' market." 

A few boats came with coal in 1818. By 1825 coal was 
deemed cheaper than hickory wood. In 1829 two hundred 



28 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

boats passed up and down the river weekly. The canal was 
enlarged in 1846 to carry boats of 186 tons burden instead lo'f 
66 tons. 

In 1825 passenger boats came from Reading to Pawl- 
ing's bridge. The passengers were conveyed thence by stage 
coach to Philadelphia. 

In 1826 the "Planet" went the entire distance with 64 
passengers. The "Comet" of Norristown, in 1829, made five 
trips w'eekly 'tlo Philadelphia, causing a reduction in the stage 
fare from $1.00 to 75 cents per trip between these two points. 

The building of the dam opened the way for water power, 
and mills began to be erected. McCredy's cotton mill, in 
1826, was the first large one. 

Rains swell the river to considerable heights on occa- 
sion. It rose to eighteen feet at Plotttstown in October, 
1786. July 29, 1824, it was thirteen feet above low water 
mark lat Norristown ; and September 2, 1850, it mounted to 
twenty-one feet. 

The Schuylkill is normally a stream of rare beauty as it 
flows peacefully between the hills. Nowhere is it more beau- 
tiful than at this point where an island divides it in twain. In 
1828, Lewis Schrack moored "floating baths" to Barbadoes Is- 
land, provided boats for sailing and fishing and urged people 
from far and near to visit this "beautifully retired spot." Now 
and again eflforts have been made to get the people here to 
appreciate the river and the island. Recently boat houses have 
^een erected in profusion along the river front and consider- 
able local interest awakened in aquatics. Barbadoes Island, 
however, awaits yet a true appreciation of its value. 

Impersonated by members of High School. Float contributed by 
Leichthammer Baking Co. 

Scene 13. 

Location of the County Seat, 1784. 

(a) MEETING. 

When Montgomery county was created by being cut oiT 
irom Philadeliphia county, September 10, 1784, the first busi- 
ness of the new county was done at the inn of Hannah Thomp- 




Composite Map of Norristown. 

Town of Noms. 1784-1812, 28 acres. 
Norristown, 1812-1853, 520 acres. 



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The Town of Norris. 

Plan taken from Deed Book, No. 2, page 465, Court House of Montgomery County, 



area 28 acres. 



COLONIAL NORRISTOWN. 29 

son in Jeffersonville. Five men were named by the legislature 
to procure a piece of land near Stony run and contiguous to 
the Schuylkill, in Norriton township, and to build thereon a 
court house and prison for the new county. 

Those appointed for this responsibility by Act of Assem- 
bly were Henry Pawling, Jr., Jonathan Roberts, George 
Smith, Robert Shannon and Henry Cunnard, of Whitpaui. 
They were represented in the scene. 

The Court House was located in the north corner lof 
what is now the Public Square, at Penn and Swede streets. 
It was a two-story stone building facing Main street. The 
prison occupied the site of the present Court House. These 
cost about $21,000, and were put up in 1787. In the rear of 
the jail stood the whipping-post. The Potter's Field of the 
prison and garden of the jailor were on the northwest of 
Airy and Swede streets. Swede street was known as "jail 
lane." 

On June 3, 1684, Penn purchased from Maughhongsink 
all the right to the land along the Perkiomen creek. This 
embraced the region in this vicinity, in all probability, as the 
lands up to the region of Conshohocken had been secured 
previously. By successive purchases Penn peaceably ob- 
tained possession of the whole of Montgomery county. 

The first work of Penn, after securing the land, now 
comprised within A^ontgomery county, from the Indians, was 
to set surveyors tloi work laying out highways and fixing lines. 
This work was completed by about 1740. 

In 1795 there were ninety-six grist mills, sixty-one saw 
mills, four forges, six fulling mills, and ten paper mills. 

At this time the county was heavily timbered with oak 
hickory and chestnut. The wood was used for fuel in the 
charcoal and lime kilns, as well ^^s in the homes prior to in- 
troduction of coal. A scarcity of wood began to be mani- 
fest in 1818. 

Montgomery county contains 473 square miles or over 
302.720 acres. It has thirty toiwnships, sixty election dis- 
tricts and twelve boroughs. 

Impel sonated by men of J. Frank Boyer plumbing house. Float con- 
tributed by Mr. J. Frank Boyer. 



30 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

(b) COLONIAL NORRISTOWN.) 

The style of dress in the days when Montgomery county 
was born was well represented in this scene. 
Impersonated by memberB tofi Y. M. C. A. 

(c) MAP OF 1784 AND 1812. 

This composite map shows in the larger area Norristown 
from i8i2 to i8s.3. In the smaller space is to be seen the 
"Town of Norris/" 28 acres. 

Shortly after 1784 the improvements of the "Town of 
Norris" consisted of the county buildings, a mill (foot of 
Swede street), a school house, twio* stores a'nid three taverns, 
together with about twelve dwellings. There were less than 
one hundred inhabitants. 

The year 1816 showed a marked advance. There was 
a varied population with varied talents and capacities for de- 
velopment and service. Thus there were two merchant 
millSj one woolen factor}^, one pottery, one tannery, two hat 
factories, four schools, one church, an academy, a fire engine, 
about one hundred houses, three physicians, five lawyers, one 
clergyman, two magistrates, two printers of weekly papers, 
lone apothecary, two cabinet makers, three butchers, five 
stove makers, five taverns, two plasterers, one watch maker, 
one mason, one chair maker, three blacksmiths, one saddler> 
two oak coopers, one milliner, one barber, four carpenters, 
and four shoemakers. A fulling mill was added in 1818. 

By 1820 the population had grown to 827. The Schuyl- 
kill Navigation Company completed the canal in 1824-26 at a 
cost of $27,000 per mile for 180 miles. Coal at $7 per ton 
superseded hickory wood at $5 per cord. In 1829 the De- 
Kalb street bridge, dosting $31,200, made communication 
between the eastern and western shores freer. Then came 
the first large industry to the borough — McCredy's mill, at 
the foot of Sv^ede street, the new dam offering increased 
facilities for water power. 

In 1830, thirteen stages were passing through Norris- 
town to Philadelphia daily, carrying from ^ty to one hun- 
dred passengers. 



COLONIAL NORRISTOWN. 31 

The year 1830 opened a succession of decades the most 
remarkable for the increase of population in the borough's 
history. In 1830 the population was 1089. By 1840 the 
population Had nearly tripled itself, being 2937. In 1850 it 
was 6024, more than tiwice the population of 1840, and nearly 
six times the populatilom of 1830. 

Prior to 1830 there were only three great avenues of 
communication with the outside world, the Ridge pike, the 
DeKalb street bridge and the Schuylkill canal. After 1830 
nine more were added, making "twelve great channels for the 
free movement of life. 

Is it wonderful that when the means of communica- 
tion wiere multiplied by four that the population multipHed 
also? In 1850 the bees in the hive were nearly six times 
as numerous as in 1830. The cells also increased in the 
same proportion, Chere being nearly six times as many houses 
in 1830 as in 1810. It was a great building era; a great era 
for the founding lof churches, also. Prior to 1830 there were 
only two, the Episcopal and the Presbyterian. After 1830 
came the Baptist, the Methodist, the Roman Catholic, the 
Reformed, the Lutheran and others. EducationiaJ ideas 
found expression in Aaron's Academy in 1841, and Ralston's 
scjninary in 1845. Strong men were at the head of the news- 
papers — Robert Iredell, 1829, of the Free Press, and Adam 
Slemmer, 1834, of the Regis'ter. 

Manufacturing interest multiplied proportionately. De- 
Kalb street mill (1836), Bagle works (1838), Derr's marble 
works (1842), Hooven's iron mills (1846-1849), and three 
others in 1857; Norris coach works (1850), Penn coach works 
(1852), Guest and Fluck, lumber (1850), Bolton & Stinson, 
planing mill (1854). 

In the forty years between 1816 and 1856, the banking 
business increased nearly twenty-fold. In 1816 the deposits in 
the Montgomery National Bank were $13,392.22, but in 1856 
they were $254,132.87, and there was opportunity for more 
bankSj for J. Morton Albertson came in 1857. 

Human needs multipHed with human opportunity. If 
five stores were sufficient in 1816, fourteen were barely suf- 



32 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

ficient in 1849. The old town pumps and the old oaken 
buckets, the old tallow dips and the old oil lamps^ the old 
horse with a load of marke'tiinig on his back and the old farm- 
er peddling it out from door to door — these became inade- 
quate to meet the needs of a growing people. Water was in- 
troduced into the homes by the water company in 1847 at an 
expense of $62,000, and illuminating gas by the gas company 
in 1852 at a cost of $40,000. In 1850-1, the DeKalb street 
market was constructed and ini 1859 the Farmer's Market, 
land the farmers came to town with their marketing in 
wagons. Since then a new market has been built in the West 
End, and now a new "market wagon" has come in vogue, the 
trolley car. 

Map designed by the borough engineer, Mr. S. Cameron Corson. 

Scene 14. 

Trustees of the University of the State of Pennsylvania 
Executing Deed for Court House Lot. 1785. 

The University of Pennsylvania owned what is now the 
centre of Norristown. It came into possession of this property 
through the agency of the Provost, Rev. William Smith, D. D. 
Of the 543 acres purchased by Colonel John Bull, from Mary 
Norris, Dr. William Smith bought all except fifty acres, Oc- 
tober 30, 1776, for £6,000. The property came into the pos- 
session of the university or what afterwards became the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania. From this farm and the mills there- 
on the trustees received a yearly rental of "500 bushels of 
wheat or its value in currency." 

In 1785 the University of Pennsylvania was called the 
University of the State of Pennsylvania. On December 7, 
1785, the trustees of the University of the State of Pennsylva- 
nia "for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings lawful 
money of the State of Pennsylvania well and duly paid" con- 
veyed to "Henry Pawling Jr., Jonathan Roberts, George 
Smith, Robert Shannon, and Henry Conrad, Gentlemen,'' a 
"certain piece of ground situated in the Town of Norris and 
marked 'Court House Lot.' " This lot was 344 by 140 feet 
and included a part of what is now the pubic square. 



COLONIAL. NORRISTOWN. 33 

The Deed Book declares that the land was conveyed to 
the above-named gentlemen "In trust to and for the County of 
Montg-omery and particularly for the use and purpose of erect- 
ing thereon a court house and prison sufficient to accommo- 
date the public service." 

The University of the State of Pennsylvania laid out the 
public square in the "Town of Norris," designating that it 
should be kept open forever. The map of the original "Town 
of Norris," which was without building or inhabitant, is re- 
corded in the court house. It shows the public square, the 
court house lot and the town plots surrounding. 

This scene represented the trustees of the University of 
the State of Pennsylvania executing the deed, through F. 
Sproat, secretary^ for the court house lot. 

Impersonated by members of the Calvary Baptist Church. 
Float contributed by D. M. Yost & Co. 

Scene 15. 

Fete at William Moore Smith's, 1794. 

WilHam Moore Smith, son of Rev. William Smith, D. D., 
the first Provost of the University of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania, was, for a time, a resident of the original town. In 1784, 
under the direction of the University of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania, William Moore Smith laid out the town and called it 
the "Town of Norris." This was in compliment of Isaac Nor- 
ris. 

The town laid out extended from Cherry street to Green 
street and from I^afayette street or Brick alley to Airy street. 
These streets varied in width. Egypt or Main street was 80 
feet wide ; Swede, Airy and DeKalb streets were each 66 feet, 
while the others were only 24 feet in width. ViHiat is now 
Penii street was formerliy an alley. 

By referring to the map of the "Town of Norris," repro- 
duced in this volume, a good idea of the original town can be 
obtained. It was copied from Deed Book No. 2, page 465, 
Montgomery county, by Joseph Knox Fornance Esq., and is 
an exact reproduction, except that the lots are not shown. 
The chief features to be noted are the extension of the Court 



34 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

House lot below Penn street, the separation of Penn street 
fiom Swede street by the Court House lot and the smallness 
of the original Public Square in comparison with that of the 
present. 

In looking- at this map of the "Town of Norris" it is well 
to remember that the first court house stood in that part of 
the Court House lot below Penn street, which is now in the 
present Public Square, that the first court house faced Main 
street and that the first prison was on about the site of the 
present court house. The Hots were 50 feet each, fronting on 
Main street and were numbered i, 1, 3, etc., from the Public 
Square toward Green street. 

The ground on which the new Montgomery Trust Com- 
pany and the Boyer Arcade stand, comprised lots No. i and 2. 
These were sold in 1785 by the trustees of the University of 
the State of Pennsylvania to "Henry Roosen of the Township 
of Worcester, Confectioner" for S-JJ and £34, respectively, 
lawful money of Pennsylvania. It was further stipulated that 
he pay or his heirs "yearly and every year forever an Acorn if 
demanded" to the trustees of the University of the State of 
Pennsylvania. 

After William Moore Smith came John Markley in 1798 
as the leader in the develbpment of the future town. And af- 
ter Markley came John B. Sterigere, 1834, who gave great 
impetus to progress together with Adam Slemmer, Levi Rob- 
erts and William H. Slingluff. 

This scene represented a fete at the home of William 
Moore Smith. It depicted the social life in colonial times. 

Impersonated by members of the First Presbyterian Church. Float con- 
tributed by the Counties Gas Company, and horses by the Druggists As- 
sociation. 



c. 

REVOLUTION. 



Scene i6. 

Continental Troops. 

The feet of the Revolutionary soldiers frequently trod th^ 
soil of this region. After the battle of Brandywine, Septem- 
ber II, 1777, General John Armstrong was ordered to erect 
breastworks to check the British at this point. The work was 
done under the direction of Chevalier Du Portail, a French- 
man, at Swedes Ford. 

General Wm. Howe, with the British army, followed the 
American army under General George Washington, up the 
west bank of the Schuylkill river to Fatland Ford, where they 
both crossed. Washington retreated toward Pottsgrove 
(Pottstown). Howe later retreated. Washington followed. 
Flowe encamped at Norristown. His army extended from the 
Schuylkill on the east side of Stony Run to Manatawny road, 
now Germantown pike. The American army, under Wash- 
ington, encamped on the west side of the Perkiomen. The 
jight cavalry, under General Peter Muhlenberg, captured five 
British soldiers near Trappe. 

General Peter Muhlenberg (1746-1807) was a son of Rev. 
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, of Trappe, Pa. He was an or- 
dained minister in Virginia when the war broke out. After 
preaching a powerful sermon on "The Duties to Country," he 
threw aside his robe and disclosed a soldier's garb. Volun- 
teers sprang to his side. A company was formed. The sol- 
dier preacher led them forth to war and to distinction. His 
statue stands in the National Gallery, Washington, D. C, as 
Pennsylvania's most distinguished soldier. 

General Andrew Porter (1743-1813) is also one of whom 
we can be proud as a resident in this vicinity. He fought in 
the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine and German- 



36 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

town. His home on West Main street remains in a good 
state of preservation and is occupied by his granddaughter, 
who is the wife of Joseph Fornance, Esq., President of the 
Historical Society of Montgomery County. Of the three sons 
of General Andrew Porter, David R. was Governor of Penn- 
S3avania from 1838-1844; General James M., Secretary of 
War, under President Tyler; and George B., Governor of 
Michigan. 

Scene 17. 

British Soldiers. 

W^hile in this vicinity in September, 1777, the British 
burned considerable property, among which was the powder 
mill. Damages for the property destroyed were allowed by 
the government after the war as follows : To John Bull, 
£2,080; to the University of Pennsylvania, £1,000; to Han- 
nah Thompson, £807; to William Dewees, £329. 

When Howe retreated to Philadelphia, Washington fol- 
lowed to Whitemarsh. The battle of Germantown was 
fought October 4, 1777. Washington retreated, crossed the 
Schuylkill at Swedes Ford, encamped at Gulph Mills, then 
moved in the direction of Valley Forge, where he went into 
winter quarters on December 19, 1777, and remained until 
June 19, 1778. 

Scene 18. 

The French Allies. 

General Lafayette also crossed the river at Swedes Ford. 
He was en route from Valley Forge to Barren Hill, where he 
encamped May 16, 1778. General Howe made an effort to 
capture Lafayette and his army May 20, 1778, but was unsuc- 
cessful. 

When freedom's cause had been won the distinguished 
Frenchman returned to his own country. A few years later 
he came to America on a visit. Norristown became a center 
cf intense interest. A meeting was held and a committee 
appointed to invite Lafayette to visit Montgomery county. 




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REVOLUTION. 37 

The following committee went to Philadelphia, September 
30, 1824, to meet him : Col. G. W. Holstein, Col. William 
Btick, Col. William Powell, Major William Matheys, Capt. 
Philip S. Markley and Lieut. R. B. Jones. The mission was 
unsuccessful, but the Norristown Guards, under Captain Phil- 
ip S. Markley, and two companies of cavalry, under Captains 
G. W. Holstein and William Matheys, participated in the cele- 
bration in honor of the French patriot. 

Scenes 16, 17, 18 were impersonated by students of Ursinus College, 
and men of Wildman Manufacturing Company and Company F. National 
Guard of Pennsylvania. 

The Spirit of '76. 
Betsey Ross Making Flag. 

Impersonated by students of Chain Street Public School. 



D. 

NORRISTOWN AFTER 1812. 



Scene 19. ; , : '_i:"hj 

War of 1812. 

Thirty years after the Revolutionary war ended the United 
States again declared war against England. It lasted from 
1812 to 1814. The cause was England's insisting upon the 
right to search American vessels and impressing into the 
British navy naturalized citizens of this country. 

Most of the war was fought upon the higli seas and the 
Great Lakes. Among the land battles were the battle of 
Lundy's Lane, the bombardment of Fort Henry at Baltimore, 
which incited Francis Scott Key to write the "Star Spangled 
Banner," and the battle of New Orl'eans. One event of this 
war also was the burning of our national capitol by the Brit- 
ish. Citizens of Montgomery county took an active part in 
this war and rendered valiant service. 

October 20, 18 13, the Town Council of the borough of 
Norristown published the news of the victory of General Har- 
rison over the British General Proctor. It also ordered a 
general illumination from early candle-light until 9 o'clock. 

The victory thus commemorated occurred on October 5, 
3813, when General Harrison with 3000 men utterly routed 
the British under General Proctor, and the Indians under Te- 
cumseh at the battle of the Thames. Tecumseh was killed and 
General Proctor barely escaped capture. The Indian North- 
west Confederacy was destroyed and the British power in Up- 
per Canada broken. 

Members of Co. P, National Guard, appear in tWs scene. 
MAP OF NORRISTOWN. 1853-1912. 

The map of 1853 is the same as that of 1812. The con- 
trast between that and the one of 1912 was shown on the float. 



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MAP 

-OF- 

NORRISTOWN PA. 

1812 - 1913 

SCALE laoo'-l" IS 



Composite Map. 

Norristown, 1812-1853, 520 acres. 
Norristown, 1853-1913, 2265.01 acres. 



NORRISTOWN AFTER l8l2. 39 

Some indication of the growth and development of the 
borough may be gathered from the follbwing data : In 1834 a 
commission was appointed by an Act of Assembly to "widen, 
extend, lay out and grade the streets of Norristown." In 
1845 another commission was authorized to take up altera- 
tions on the original draft and add new streets. In 1853. the 
limits of the borough were extended, embracing 1500 ad- 
ditional acres. This made the area of the town nearly 2 miles 
square. 

In 1812 the little "Town of Norris" embraced 28 acres. 
With the incorporation of the borough, it was enlarged to 520 
acres. From 1812 to 1850 the population grew from less than 
500 to 6024 and the number of houses from less than 100 to 
1006. 

With the year 1853 new territory was added to the bor- 
ough. It grew from one mile square to two miles square, 
from 520 acres to its present limits, 2265.01 acres. A steady 
mcrease in population was manifest. From i860 to 1870 the 
population increased from 8848 to 10,753, ^ §'3-i" of 1,856. 
From 1870 to 1880 the increase was 2,410. But from 1880 to 
1890, the years in which the Pennsylvania railroad came, the 
DeKalb street bridge freed and street railways introduced, the 
gain was 6,628. That is, more people came into the town be- 
tween 1880 and 1890 than were in the town in 1853 when the 
town was enlarged. From 1890 to 1900 the gain in popula- 
tion was 2,474, by 1910 there was another large increase of 
5,610. The present population is not far short of 30,000. 

Commercial and manufacturing interests grew apace and 
homes multiplied. From five stores in 1816 to one hundred 
and eight stores in 1858, the commercial interests have ex- 
panded until in 1913 there are five hundred and forty-six li- 
censed stores. The seven manufacturing establishments of 
1816 grew to thirty-one in 1880 and to fifty-seven in 1913, 
with thirteen more on the opposite side of the river. The 
homes multiplied proportionately. In 1816 there were about 
100 houses, in 1850 more than 1000 houses, while in this year, 
1913, there are over 6000 houses. The need of a new en- 



40 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

largement of territory is recognized as a necessity in the near 
future. 

A general idea of the prosperity of Norristown can be 
gained from assessed values. In 1883 the assessed value of 
real estate was $6,310,263. From that date there has been a 
steady increase each decade of over $2,000,000. The present 
value is about $14,000,000. 

From 1812 to 1857, one bank, The Montgomery National, 
was suflficient for the community. In 1857 J. Morton Albertson 
started an independent bank which has since developed into 
the Penn Trust Company, 1904. Since then there have come 
the First National Bank, 1864; Norristown Trust Company, 
1888; Peoples' Bank, 1881 ; and Montgomery Trust Company, 
1885. These six banking institutions reported in 1912 de- 
posits amounting to over $8,600,000. 

The business of the post office in 1912 was $60,747, or 
twice the volume in 1910, when it was $28,000. 

The town supports three daily newspapers. The Norris- 
town Daily Herald (1869) grew out of the Herald and Free 
Press and won its place through the leadership of the late 
Morgan R. Wills. The Norristown Daily Register (1880) is 
the successor of The Register. The honored editor, Mr. Al- 
brecht Kneule, has just retired from active management. Cap- 
tam William Rennyson laid the foundation of the Norristown 
Times in 18S1. It was the first permanent penny paper es- 
tablished in the town and led the movement to make the De- 
Kalb street bridge free from toll. A new paper, Publicity, a 
weekly issue, has just appeared. 

The products of the town consist of hosiery and under- 
wear, cotton and woolen goods, shirts, sweaters, cigars, lum- 
ber and mill work, machinery screws_, bolts, tacks, paper boxes, 
boilers, rugs, carpets, paper, stationery, asbestos coverings, 
silos, tanks, pottery, flour, paints, varnishes, malt products, 
bricks, ice, gas, electricity, wood handles, fibre, medicine, flav- 
oring extracts, radiators, plumbers' supplies, mattresses, ce- 
ment vaults, pretzels, bread, belts, cornices, candy, and miner's 
caps. 

Map designed by the borough engineer, Mr. S. Cameron Corson. 



NORRISTOWN AFTER l8l2. 41 

Scene 20. 

Governor Signing Charter of 1812. 

Norristown became a borough, Tuesday, March 31, 1812. 
On this date, Simon Snyder, Governor of Pennsylvania, af- 
fixed his signature to the charter, granted by the Legislature 
of the state, which accorded to Norristown the honor of be- 
ing enrolled among the boroughs of the commonwealth. Pre- 
vious to this Norristown was an unincorporated village, and a 
part of Norriton township. 

The boundaries of the new borough were Astor street. 
Wood street. Ford street and the Schuylkill river. It com- 
prised 520 acres and had about 500 inhabitants. 

The corporate seal of Norristown, approved January 15, 
1833, bears the motto, "Fervet Opus." It is a vignette repre- 
senting a bee hive, and inscribed round the edge is the follow- 
ing: "The Borough of Norristown, incorporated March 31, 
1812." The cost of the seal was $15.00. 

Impersonated by members of the Haws Avenue Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Float contributed by Mr. H. B. Tyson. 

Scene 21. 

Oath of Office of First President of Council. 

The first members of Town Council were elected Friday, 
May I, 1812. The meeting was held in the court house. On 
June 3 following, they assembled again in the court house and 
were sworn into office. Their names are as follows : 

General Francis Swaine, John Coates, Philip Hahn, 
Lewis Schrack, Robert Hamill, David Thomas, Matthias 
Holstein and James Winnard. 

General Swaine was a son-in-law of Rev. Henry Melchior 
Muhlenberg, the honored Lutheran clergyman of Trappe. 

There was a contention in the Council over taxes in May, 
1813. General Swaine resigned and Levi Pawling took his 
place. Council met alternately at the rival inns of Morris 
Jones and Jared Brooke. 

For one hundred years Norristown has held to the borough 
form of government, that of a single council, with a burgess 



42 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

as the official head of the town. Twice had the proposition 
been made to adopt a city form of government and twice de- 
feated. When the present borough hall was built it was called 
City Hall, and provided with chambers for the accommodation 
of a select and common council. For a third time a city form 
of government was rejected when the commission idea was 
defeated by 491 votes at the election held November 4, 1913. 

Impersonated by men of the Merchants' Ice Company. Float con- 
tributed by Merchants' Ice Company. 

Scene 22. 

"Pat Lyon" Fire Engine. 

Die "Old Pat Lyon" fire engine, now in possession of the 
Montgomery Hose Company, was the first one introduced m- 
to the town. The order was given by Town Council to Pat- 
rick Lyon to procure a fire engine for $550. This was Au- 
gust 24, 1812. Patrick Lyon built the engine in Philadelphia. 
There are evidences that it belonged to a Philadelphia com- 
pany and gave way to a newer model. It is of the old hand 
lype^ water being supplied by means of leather buckets. These 
were filled at the old town pumps, passed along the bucket 
line and emptied into the side of the engine. 

The engine was located in a one-story stone building, 
erected for that purpose in the southwest corner of the pub- 
lic square, on Main street. 

This wonderfuli engine of 100 years ago has now become 
a curiosity. Norristown has passed through the complete 
evolution of volunteer lire fighting. Hand-power engines and 
human motors have yielded successively to steam engines 
v^ith horses and they to the most approved modern auto-truck 
chemical apparatus. 

The service and equipment also have grown. Since the 
"Old Pat Lyon" days there have come successively the fol- 
lowing companies: Norristown (1847), Montgomery (1847), 
Humane (1852), Fairmount (1852) and Hancock (1895). They 
are all well-housed and splendidly equipped. 

Norristown has a system of fire hydrants and connec- 
tions^ together with a system of fire alarms, valued at $37,- 



NORRISTOWN AFTER ,l8l2. 43 

665.50 and apportions annually to the maintenance of the fire 
companies $9,700. 

Impersonated by members of Montgomery Hose Company. Furnlslied 
and equipped by Montgomery Hose Company. 

Scene 23. 

Woman's Suffrage. 

Women have full rights of suffrlage in six states of the 
Union. In others they have restricted rights. The follow- 
ing- countries grant this privilege to women: New Zealand, 
Australia, Finland, China and Norway. 

Float contributed by Woman's Suffrage Association of Montgomery 
county. 

Women's Christian Temperance Union. 

Scene 24, ^ 

Churches and Education. 

(a) OLD ACADEMY. 1805. 

The Old Academy was the high schlool of the early days. 
The idea originated at a meeting in the home of Elisha Evans, 
January 29, 1803, wi'tJh General Andrew Porter presiding. 
The work was vigorously prosecuted by Nathaniel B. Boi- 
leau_, who secured an apropriation of $2,000 from the state. 
The building was erected in 1805. It was of brick, 30 by 45 
feet, two stories high, and stood on Airy street, at the heiad 
of DeKalb street, facing the river. At that time, however, 
DeKalb street did not go beyond Airy street. When De- 
Kalb street was opened in 1849, the Old Academy was torn 
down. 

Rev. John Jones, pastor of the First Presbyterian 
Church, was the principal. He taughH: Latin and Greek. 
That distinguished Frenchman, John James Audubon, the 
ornithologist, was his assistant for a time, teaching drawing 
and sketching. 

All the early churches began their life in the Old Acad- 
emy building. 

The Minute Book of the borough con%ins the foUow- 
inig notes of interest: 



44 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

November 27, 1848, Council ordered the property of the 
Old Academy to be bought for $3,100. 

March 12, 1849, Council ordered the building to be sold 
but reserved the bell and fixtures. 

March 26, 1849, Council sold the building to Jacob Bodey 
for $180. 

February 28, 1853, Council lolaned the bell to the Norris- 
town Fire Company to be put up at their hose house. 

March 14, 1853, Council loaned the old fire engine "Nor- 
ristOAvn" and the fire bell and horn to the Fairmount Fire 
Company, now the Fairmount Engine Company, No. 2. 

Among those eminent in history, who prepared in the 
Old Academy, were General Winfield Scott Hancock, Gen- 
eral Adam J. Slemmer and Generial John F. Hartranft, after- 
ward Governor of Pennsylvania. 

The favor accorded to educational ideals may be inferred 
from the schools which sprang up in the wake of the academy. 

In 181 1, Mrs. Amelia Stokes opened a boarding school, 
in which were taught English Grammar, Geography and 
History; also sewing, marking and embroidering, thus an- 
ticipating our modern ideal of domestic science in the 
public schools. 

In 1841 Rev. Samuel Aaron opened Treemount Seminary 
for young men and boys. Prof. John W. Loch revived inter- 
est in the institution in 1861 when he took charge and united 
the DeKalb Street Institute with it. In 1845 ^^v. J. Grier 
Ralston, D. D., founded the Oakland Female Institute. Other 
schools of lesser fame were started by Samuel Patterson, Wm. 
M. Houg'h and the Misses Bush. These educational institu- 
tions have all passed out of existence. The processions of 
} oung ladies and young gentlemen to and from these schools, 
representing, as they did, devotion to ideals of culture, are no 
more. The war of the rebellion, the dhanging conditions of 
hie and especially the rise of the high schools, have all been 
instrumental in their dissolution. It is not too much to say, 
however, that a certain air of culture has passed from the town 
with the passing of these institutions of higher learning. 

Norristown is justly proud of her public schools. They 



NORRISTOWN AFTER l8l2. 45 

are the universities for the people based on the idea of the 
value of universal education. There are six elementary and 
grammar schools and one high school, of which Prof. A. D. 
Eisenhower is the long-honored principal. On June 30, 1913, 
there were graduated yy pupils, 38 males and 39 females, out 
oi a total enrollment of 3,844. The enrollment, October 9, 
1913, was 3,632, of which 1,806 were males and 1,826 females. 
Prof. A. S. Mai tin is the superintendent. Prof. J. Horace Lan- 
Jis is superintendent of the county. 

The responsibility of training and cultivating this com- 
pany of young people is entrusted to the care of 97 teachers. 
Ihe courses of study are as follows : Regular, Classical, Com- 
mercial, Manual Training and Domestic Science. Other ad- 
vantages offered consist of a nig*ht school, medical inspection, 
school savings fund and an athletic field of 7^ acres, adjoining 
Elmwood Park, which has 32.76 acres. 

There are alfeo two libraries, the Norristown Library, the 
oldest library in the town, a small subscription institution, and 
the Free Library, connected with the public schools. One of 
tne deep needs of the present time is a free library worthy of 
the patronage and of the pride of the people of a Greater Nor- 
ristown. 

The professional talent of the town is of a high order and 
generous in numbers, there being 33 ministers, 42 physicians, 
and 55 lav/yers, among whom are three judges, the Hons. 
Aaron S. Swartz, Henry K. Weand and William F. Solly. 
There are iS dentists and about 10 teachers of music, besides 
a good number in other fields of culture. 

This scene did not appear in the pageant. The model of the old 
academy was placed in the line, but the young men of the Calvary Bap- 
tist Church, who were to have borne it, failed to appear. The His- 
torical Society of Montgomery County has the model in its possession. A 
picture of this model was taken, and is the only likeness in existence ol 
this historic structure. 

(b) ST. JOHN'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1818. 

This church, the first planted in the town, was an off- 
shoot of the St. James Protestant Episcopal Church of 
Evansburg. It was organized in the Old Academy, Decem- 
bei 17, 1812. St. John's was built on its present site in 1813, 
the ground being a gift from Levi Pawling. 



46 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

The President Judge of this county was the Hon. J. Bird 
Wilson. He was a resident of Norristown and one of the 
Vv'ardens of St. John's Church. In 1819 Judge Wilson was or- 
dained to the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
and chosen Rector of St. John's. 

Two missions have been established by this church : All 
Saints in 1889, under the long rectorship of Rev. Isaac Gibson, 
D. D., and Holy Trinity. All! Saints, through the zeal of the 
Rev. W. Herbert Burk, made possible the Washington Me- 
morial Chapel at Valley Forge. 

Members of St, John's Protestant Episcopal Church appeared in this 
scene in vestments. 

(c) FIRST PBESBYTEBIAN CHURCH, 1815. 

The first pas'tor was the Rev. John Jones. He organized 
the church, September 4, 1814, and was the first principal of 
the Academy. 

There is no picture of the First Presbyterian Church 
known to exist, nor can the exact date of its construction be 
determined. What is known is that the church was erected 
before April 25, 18 18. A marble tablet in the present church 
bears the date of 181 5. The location is defined as being on 
the northeast corner of DeKalb and Airy streets. 

Rev. J. Grier Ralston, D. D., describes the building as a 
stone structure, two stories high, and in size 55 by 45 feet. He 
also states that the roof-trusses, window frames, sashes and 
shutters of the old building were sold to Fluck and Guest, who 
placed the same in Bullock's mill. This mill, now known as 
the Norristown Woolen Mills, is located on Main street near 
Arch, and, according to Dr. Ralston, is an exact reproduction 
of the old First Presbyterian Chiutch except that it is one 
story higher and larger. The church was enlarged in 1839 
and the present structure erected in 1854. A new Sunday 
school building was added to the rear of the church and the 
entire church replastered on the outside in 1913. The model 
shown in the pageant was constructed from the description by 
Dr. Ralston. 



NORRISTOWN AFTER lSl2. 47 

The Central became a separate body in 1855. The First 

Bridg-eport grew out of a mission in Norristown. 

Model carried by members of the First Presbyterian Church, and now 
preserved by the First Presbyterian Church. 

(d) FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This church was planted by the missionary enterprise of 
the Great Valley Baptist Church. Meetings were held in the 
old court house and the old Academy, and an organization 
formed, October, 1832. The first house of worship was built 
in 1833. The present building was erected in 1875. 

For some years prior to 1861 the conventions for the 
abolition of slavery were held in this church. One of the 
moving- spirits of the movement was the Rev. Samuel Aaron, 
at one time pastor of the church and later the educational 
leader of Treemount Seminary, which developed into Loch's 
school. Benjamin F. Hancock, father of General Winfield 
Scott Hancock, was a member here, but on account of the 
strong abolitionist tendency of the church, he left and went 
over to the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. 

Three times has the mother church sent out colonies. The 

First Bridgeport in 1850, the Calvary in 1870, and the Olivet 

in 1902. 

Mo'!el contributed by the First Baptist Church and drawn by mem- 
bers of the First Baptist Church. It is now in the possessiion of the 
church. 

(e) FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1834. 

The Rev. John Finley, from Germantown, gave impetus 
to the cause of Methodism in this vicinity. The first church was 
built in 1834, and it was located on Main street below Arch. 
The old building remains to this day in a good state of preser- 
vation. It also is the property of the Norristown Woolen 
Mill. On this mill property stand the memorials of two 
churches, the First Methodist and the First Presbyterian. 
The present Methodist house of worship on DeKalb street 
was built in 1858, the stone front being added in 1897. 

Two churches have developed out of the old church, Oak 
Street in 1854, and Haws Avenue in 1875. 

Model contributed by the First MethocSist Episcopal Church, and car- 
ried by members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. It is now 
in the possession of the same church. 



48 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

(f) ST. PATRICK'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1837. 

The first Roman Catholic Church was built in 1832. Pat- 
rick Flynn and the father of Dr. E. M. Furey were among 
those who laid the foundation. There were eight families in 
the town then of that faith. Now there are 458. The church 
on Washington street, now standing, was beguin in 1859 and 
completed after the war of 1861. Rev. Francis Carr uncov- 
ered the first sod for the new church on DeKalb street on St. 
Patrick's Day, 1907. 

Two other churches of this faith have been established in 
this vicinity, the San Salvadore (Italian) and St. Augustine, 
Bridgeport. 

This scene did not appear in the paseant. The model of the church 
•was constructed under the guidance of the Pageant Commiittee, but was 
placed in the parochial school section of the parade on Educational Day, 
instead of in the pageant on Historical Day. 

(g) REFORMED CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, 1847. 

The Reformed Church of the Ascension was built in 1847. 
It was remodeled in 1859 and 1886. The foundation for a 
new building was begun on the same site in 1912 and a hand- 
some new stone church was dedicated in 1913. 

The Trinity, 1872, and Christ, 1896, are products of this 
church. 

Norristown has a number of other churches. There are 
three Lutheran : the Trinity, 1849, St. Paul's, 1862, and the 
Grace, 1885 ; one Evangelical, the Bethany, 1845 ; one Church 
of the Brethren, 1901 ; one Schwenkfelder, 1904; one Hebrew 
Synagogue, 1901 ; and one Christian Science church. The 
two societies of Friends are represented. The Hicksite, 185 1 ; 
the Orthodox, 1890. Then, too, there are three colored 
churches, the Ebenezer and Mt. Zion Methodist and the Si- 
loam Baptist. Thus there are 28 churches, together with a 
Y. M. C. A. ; a Y. W. C. A. ; a Salvation Army and a number 
of charitable and social service organizations. 

Model carried by members of the Reformed Church of the Ascension 
and contributed by the Reformed Church of the Ascension. The miodel 
is being preserved by the church. 




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NORRISTOWN AFTER l8l2. 49 

" Old Ironsides." 1832. 

This was the first engine built by Matthias W. Baldwin, 
founder of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, in 183 1- 1832. It 
was also the first engine to run from Philadelphia into Nor- 
ristown on the Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown 
Railroad. This latter important event occurred Saturday, 
August 15, 1835. Cheers and shouts of welcome greeted the 
train along the entire route. Upon the arrival of the party at 
iNorristown there was a dinner participated in by about 350 
persons, about 300 of whom were officers, managers and 
guests who enjoyed the trip. 

The Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown railroad 
was chartered in 1831 and completed in 1834. The cost, twen- 
ty-one miles, was $1,811,000. In 1815 it was double tracked. 
The advent of the railroad marked an era of revolution 
in transportation and the means of communication. Previ- 
ous to 183 1 travel to Philadelphia was by boat, on horseback 
or by stage coach. In 1785 women went on horseback over 
the new Reading or Egypt road to shop in Philadelphia. This 
road was built in 1774. By 1808 there went to Philadelphia 
three stages per week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 
These returned on alternate days. Five years later there was 
a stage daily. This was made possible by the construction 
of the Ridge turnpike, 1811-1813, at a cost of $7500 per mile. 
By 1830 there were thirteen stages daily to and from Phila- 
delphia. 

Other lines of communication were opened. The DeKalb 
street bridge was constructed in 1829 at a cost of $31,200. The 
next year the State road from New Hope on the Delaware to 
the Maryland line, our DeKalb street, was built. In 1867 
Swede street was turnpiked to Centre Square. In 1872 the 
Stony Creek railroad came and the next year the Perkiomen 
railroad. But most influential of all, in 1884, the Pennsylvania 
railroad was opened, the same year the DeKalb street bridge 
was freed and a street railway was started in the town. Since 
then Norristown has been connected by trolley with Chestnut 
Hill, Roxborough, Conshohocken, Swedeland, Bridgeport, 



50 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

Lansdale and Collegeville, and now a new line to Philadelphia, 
the Philadelphia and Western, and one to Allentown, the Le- 
high Transit Company. That is, before 1830 there were three 
great avenues. Before i860 nine more were added, making 
twelve. But since that day twelve or fourteen more avenues 
have opened, making twenty-five channels for the flow of life 
to and from the town. Nor must we forget to mention the 
Chester VaWey (1863), the Plymouth (1868), and the Trenton 
Cut-off railroads. 

There are 134 railroad trains either arriving or departing 
every day, and the trolleys move in a continual stream within 
and without the borough. Added to these are those won- 
derful highways of communication, the telephone and tele- 
graph. 

This exhibit made possible by the generosity of the Philadelphia and 
Reading R. R. Co., and tbe Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia. 

Scene 26. 

Mexican War. 1846-47. 

The revolt of Texas from Mexico and the subsequent an- 
nexation of that state to the Union in 1845 were the causes 
of the Mexican War. But back of all was the passion to se- 
cure more territory — new slave states. 

At least one of Norristown's sons participated in this 
war, Winfield Scott Plancock. For signal gallantry in the 
battles of Contreras and Churubusco, Hancock was brevetted 
first lieutenant. 

The Sons of Veterans appeared in this scene. 



E. 

REBELLION AND LATER. 



Scene 2^. 

Responding to the Call of " Father Abraham." 1861-64. 

"Abolitionists" and promoters of "underground railroads" 
kept the North alert to the great ideal of human liberty. The 
African slave was human. A slave in a free land became, to 
many, a shame. The shot at Fort Sumter and the call of 
Father Abraham called out the noblest passions in the North- 
ern states. Our fathers nobly responded. The troops led by 
the Zouave Drum Corps was a familiar scene. 

A volume would be required to recount the names as well 
as the deeds of those w'ho went forth from Norristown in de- 
fense of the Union. Another volume would be necessary to 
accord a like honor to those who have removed to this vicin- 
ity since the war. Out of the many a few will be chosen to 
memorahze the achievements and honors of all. 

Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886), son of Benj. F. 
Hancock, was a soldier by eduQaition, who rose by sheer 
merit to the position of Major-General in the regular army. 
General Grant said : "Hancock stands the most conspicuous 
figure of all the general officers who did not exercise a sepa- 
rate command. He commanded a corps longer than any other 
one, and his name was never mentioned as having committed 
in battle a blunder for which he was responsible." For his 
stand on "Little Round Top" in the battle of Gettysburg he 
became known as "The Superb." 

In 1880 Hancock entered the political arena against 
James A. Garfield for President and suffered defeat. His 
body hes buried in Montgomery Cemetery, Norristown, not 
far from the spot where he was born. The Historical Socie- 
ty of Montgomery County has assumed the responsibility for 
the preservation o'f his itomb. 



52 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

John F. Hartranft (1830-1889) was chosen leader of the 
volunteers from Norristown. He passed successively from 
the rank of Colonel and Brigadier-General to that of Brevet 
Major-General. Tio^ the honors of war were added the hon- 
ors of state. He was Governor of Pennsylvania from 1872- 
1878. A noble granite shaft marks his resting place in 
Montgomery Cemetery, Norristown. 

The name of Schall has continued to be associated with 
the military enterprises of this vicinity for more than a half 
century. Five sons of General William Schall, a prominent 
iron manufacturer of the town, entered the Union Army. 
Captain Reuben, Lieutenamt-Colonel Edwin, Captain Ed- 
ward, David and Calvin. Lieutenant-Oolonel Edwin was kill- 
ed at Cold Harbor. Colonel John W. Schall, now Major- 
General of the National Guard, is from another branch of 
this family. 

Other names held in honor are Brigadier-General Adam 
J. Slemmer, afterwards Brevet Brigadier-General; Colonel 
William J. Bolton, Brevet Brigadier-General; Major Joseph 
K. Bolton; Major D. B. Hartranft; Lieutenant-Colonel D. 
M. Yost;; Lieutenant Frederick L Naile, retired and promot- 
ed Commander U. S. N. ; Captain Henry K. Weand, Major 
and Brigadier-General ion Staifif of Gov. Hartranft ; Captain 
Theodore W. Bean, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel; Captain J. 
K. Weaver, Colonel and Surgeon General, N. G., Pa. ; Medi- 
cal Director Louis W. Read, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, 
Brigadier General and Surgeon General on Governor Hart- 
ranft's Staff; Assistant Medical Purveyor David R. Beaver; 
Medical Director John C. Spear ; Assistant Surgeons Ellwood 
M. Corson and Theodore Jacobs ; Capt. Walter H. Cooke ; 
Captain W. W. Owen; Captain William Rennyson; First 
Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp A. S. Buchanan ; Lieutenant 
Henry Jacobs, Captain; Adjutant Charles Hunsicker; Ser- 
geant William W. Potts; Captain's Clerk, U. S. N., Neville D. 
Tyson ; and Thomas J. Stewart, private. 

Nor should there be forgotten the notable work of Prof. 
T. S. C. Lowe, with his balloon service ; the tender ministra- 
tions of the Lady Attendants upon Hospitals and the kind- 



REBELLION AND LATER. 53 

ness of the Woman's Loyal League. Major and Mrs. William 

H. Holstein served loyally in field and hiospital. 

Men from Grace Lutheran Cburch, Haws Avenue M. E. Church, Wild- 
man Manufacturing Company, and Quaker City Shirt Company appeared 
in this scene. 

Scene 28. 

Departure of the Troops. 

The fiist volunteers from Norristown for the Civil War 
left here April 20, 1861. They marched down DeKalb street 
in irregular order, led by a flag and a fife and drum. Their 
families and friends crowded round them. The roadway and 
the pavements were full of people, men, women and children. 
The volunteers were on their way for the railroad station at 
Bridgeport to take the cars for Camp Curtin at Harrisburg. 
When the bridge tender saw the great crowd coming he 
closed the bridge gates in order to collect the tolls, but the ex- 
cited crowd broke down the gates and rushed over without 
paying. 

The first volunteers enlisted for three months. At the 
expiration of this term of service they returned and re-enlist- 
ed for three years. On both occasions they were under the 
command of Colonel John F. Hartranft. The first volunteers 
endured privations but fought no battles. The second vol- 
unteers left their toll of sacrifices from the Atlantic to the 
Mississippi. 

The marble shaft in the public square of Norristown tells the 
story of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, Spottsylva- 
nia, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and many another bloody field. 
When the gth army corps was released from Vicksburg, 
Miss., Major General U. S. Granit commended them for their 
"endurance, valor, and general goiod conduct." When Rich- 
mond fell, these same heroes of the 51st Regiment received 
an honorable discharge afb Alexandria, Va. Their honor is 
our pride. 

Characters taken by members of the First Baptist Church. Float con- 
tributed by Mr. Adam Scheldt. 



54 norristown's history. 

Scene 29. 

Abolition. 

The meetings of the Society for the abolition of slavery 
before the Civil War were held in the Baptist Church. The 
other churches stood aloof from the movement. The few 
citizeiis who advocated the matter did so vigorotusly. Rev. 
Samuel Aaron and Lucretia Mott were prominent abolition- 
ists, as were the Corson, Roberts, Bodey, Wright, Paxson and 
a few other families. But the general sentiment was against 
it. Rev. Nathan Stem, of St. John's Protestant Episcopal 
Church, presided at a meeting. The headquarters in this 
vicinity was the office of Dr. Wm. Corson. 

On February 6, 1829, two slaves were tried before the 
Court of Miontgomery County on the charge of being fugi- 
tives from their master. Rewards of $100 each had been of- 
fered. A negro enjoying freedom betrayed their where- 
abouts !to their master. He accordingly came to this place, 
claimed and obtained possession of his slaves. 

After the trial when the two slaves with their master were 
standing around the Norristown Hotel, which stood where 
Yeakle & Daub's Drug Store now| stands, waiting for the 
stage coach, feelings of resentment ran high in the assembled 
criowd. A tragedy was probably averted by the action of 
two public-spirited citizens. Peter Dager bought one of the 
slaves for $600, and Ezra Comfort bought the other for $300. 
These slaves were then set free and known in this section as 
John and James Lewis. The slave master. Christian Miller, 
returned with the price of his slaves to Virginia. 

Tlnfu'elrSloiiated by members io£ itbe First Baptist Church. Float con- 
tributed by Gas and Electric Light Companies. 

Scene 30. 

Grand Army of the Republic. 

This noble organization had its origin in 1865-6 at Spring- 
field, 111. The ritual is secret, but all soldiers and sailors of 
the United States army, marine and navy, who have honor- 
able records, are eligible to membership. Posts are numer- 
ous in the North and West. The G. A. R. Post of Norris- 



REBELLION AND LATER. 55 

town is aalled after General Samuel K. Zook, whoi lies 
buried in Montgomery Cemetery. The inscription on his 
tombstone bears the following illuminating inscription: 
"Samuel K. Zook, Brigadier and Brevet Major General U. S. 
Volunteers. Wounded at the battles of Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville. Killed at Gettysburg July 2, 1863. Aged 
41 years." 

Members of the Gen. Zook Post appeared in this scene. 

The Spirit of *61. 

Scene 31. 

Spanish American War, 1888. 

The rebellion of 1895 in Cuba, the cruelty of General 
Weyler, and the destruction of the Maine in Havana harbor, 
caused President William McKinley to declare "the war in 
Cuba must stop." The battles of Manila, Santiago and San 
Juan Hill practically determined the fate of the Spanish arms 
on this side of the Atlantic. General John W. Schall, Medical 
Director J. K. Weaver, and Co. F., N. G., went forth from 
Norristown. 

The Boy Scouts appeared in this scene and the one following. 

Flag from Gettysburg. 

Scene 32. 

The Holy City. 

This scene represented the three great ideals of human so- 
ciety and modern civilization — religious peace, industrial 
peace and national peace. The three virtues, faith^ hope and 
charity or love, are symbolized by the three ladies clad in Gre- 
cian costumes on the throne. The children point the way to 
the representatives of Religion — a Jewish High Priest, a Ro- 
man Catholic Cardinal and a Protestant clergyman. Their 
prayer is "that they all may be one." Just beyond are sym- 
bolized Capital and Labor ; Peace and War, with the goddess 
of peace presenting the symbol of peace, the olive wreath. It is 
the prophecy of the future as it was the song of the angels, 
"Peace on earth and good will among men." 

The idea of Christian Unity Was first advocated in Nor- 
ristown by Rev. Theodore Heysham, Ph. D. So vigor- 
ous was his campaign for this cause and so cordial was the 



56 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

response in the hearts of the people to the ideal that at the 
expiration of a year twenty-two churches closed their doors 
the last Sunday evening in January, 1909, and assembled in 
the Grand Operai House. It was the most representative 
galthering of Christian men and women ever congregated 
under one roof in the history of the town. Dr. Robert E. 
Speer, of New York city, secretary of the Board of Foreign 
Missions of the Presbyterian Church, gave an address on 
'■'Lessons Regarding Christian Unity from the Foreign Mis- 
sions of the Church.'* The Hon. Aaron S. Swartz presided. 

Two years later, February 2, 191 1, Mr. George Whar- 
ton Pepper, LL. D., D. C. L., addressed a union meeting of 
ministers and laymen, representing forty-five Evangelical 
churches of Norristown, Bridgeport, Conshohocken and vi- 
cinity, upn the theme, "The Present Task of the Church, 
Unity." This meeting was held in the First Baptist Church. 
Dr. J. K. Weaver presided. 

On Religious Day of Centennial Week, Sunday, May 5, 
1912, at a mass meetmg in the Grand Opera House of Nor- 
ristown, N. H. Larzelere, Esq., said in the course of his ad- 
dress : 'Tt is gratifying to note that the trend of church peo- 
ple is toward Christian Unity. Strong, sensible men, with 
broad vision should hasten this work." And the Hon. Aaron 
S. Swartz, President Judge of Montgomery county, declared : 
"This is a town of churches and church-going people. We 
are broad-minded and Hberal. Christian Unity finds a re- 
sponsive chord in our hearts." 

Impersonated by members of the Trinity Lutheran, St. John's Epis- 
copal, First Presbyterian, Central Presbyterian, First Methodist and 
Bridgeport Baptist Churches. 

EENDIiE Q,TJARTETTE— Cornet and Trombone. 

Tliis consisted of two cornetists and two trombonists. 
They followed The Holy City float in the pageant playing 
such selections as "The Holy City," "Nearer, My God, To 
Thee," and others. The effect was very impressive and 
made a fitting climax to the Historical Pageant of Norris- 
town's first centennial. 




Norristown Centennial, May 10, 1912 

1. Rev. Theodore Hey sham, Ph. D., Captain, Organizer and Director. 

2. Mr. Samuel Roberts, Grand Captain and Treasurer. 



REBELLION AND LATER. 57 

PAGEANT GUABD. 

These four mounted men protected the rear of the pa- 
gfeant against the intrusion of disturbing elements, and thus 
heightened the enjoyment of the music by the quartette and 
the beauty of the Holy City float as well as preserved the dig- 
nity of the pageant to the end. 




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HISTORICAL PAGEANT. 



Organizer and Director of the Pageant, 

REV. THEODORE HEYSHAM, Ph. D. 

Treasurer, 

MR. SAMUEL ROBERTS. 

GENERAL COMMITTEE. 

MR. H. B. TYSON. 

MR. SAMUEL ROBERTS. 

JOSEPH KNOX FORNAJSnUE, Esq. 

THEODORE LANE BEAN, Esq. 

FRANKLIN L. WIRIGHT, Esq. 

MR. CHARLES NORRIS KAMBO. 

GEORGE WANGER, Esq. 

MR. H. SEVERN REGAR. 

REV. THEODORE HEYSHAM, Ph. D. 

HISTORICAL SCENES SUGGESTED BY 

MR. JOSEPH FORNANCE, President of Historioal Society. 

IRVIN P. KNIPE, Esq. 

MR. iS. CAMERON CORSON. 

BURGESS SAMUEL W. LiATTIMORE. 

HON. IRVING P. WANGER, 

MRS. A. CONRAD JONES. 

JOSEPH KNOX FORNANCE, Esq. 

REV. THEODORE HEYSHAM, Ph. D. 

ROLL OF HONOR. 

Those wlio made the Historical Pageant possible. Their names 
and gifts are recorded in the Historical Pageant Report given in. full 
in this volume. 

COMMITTEE ON PAGEANT PROGRAMME. 

MR. JOSEPH FORNANCE, President of Historical Society. 
REV. THEODORE HEYSHAM, Ph. D. 

COSTUMER. 

MR. JOSEPH C. FISCHER, Philadelphia. 



60 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

PAGEANT PERSONNEL. 



MOUNTED MEN. 

GRAND CAPTAIN. 
Mr. Samuel Roberts. 

GRAND MARSHALS. 
Mr. J. Frank Boyer. O. F. Dentiardt, Esq. 

ASSISTANT GRAND MARSHALS. 
Mr. S. Russell Neiman. Mr. Harry P. Hiltner, 

Mr. William C. Benner. Mr. William O. Yost. 

Mr. J. Harding Reese. Mr. B. Frank Stritzinger. 

Mr. Frederick E. Dyer. Mr. Benj. F. Evans. 

CAPTAIN. 
Rev. Ttieodore Heystiam, Pli. D. 



GRAND DIVISIONS. 



A. 

BAND. — Germania — Dutch Uniform. 

DIVISION GRAND MARSHAL. 

Albert Rowland Gamer, M. D. 

ASSISTANT DIVISION GRAND MARSHALS. 

Mr. Cbarles W. Walker (Devon). Mr. Lewis Y. Smitb. (Bridgeport). 

HERALDS. 

1. H. Wilson Stalnecker, Esq. 4. Mr. Charles T. Mather 

(Wayne). 

2. Mr. Futhey J. Smith. 5. George W. Miller, M. D. 
3 John Hyatt Naylor, Esq. 6. Mr. Morgan Hunter. 

B. 

BAND.— Norristown — Scotch Uniforms. 

DIVISION GRAND MARSHAL. 
Mr. J. Clarence Moyer. 

ASSISTANT DIVISION GRAND MARSHALS. 
Mr. Percy J. Fell. J^r. William A. March. 

HERALDS. 

7. Mr. H. Severn Regar. 11. Mr. Jacob Fisher. 

8. Mr. Kenneth Stauffer. 12. Mr. Ludwig StaufEer. 

9. Mr. Blwood Fisher. 13. Mr. Harold Zimmerman. 
10. Mr. Brooke Barrett. 14. Mr. Edwin Wentz. 

15. Mr. Paul Stauffer. 




Norristown Centennial, May 10, 1912 
1. Mr. H. B. Tyson, Grand Marshal, Division C. 



O. F. Lenhardt, Esq., Grand Marshal. 
Mr. J. Frank Boyer, Grand Marshal. 



HISTORICAL, PAGEANT. 61 

c. 

BAND. — Philliarmonic (Reading) — Colonial Uniform. 

DIVISION (iKAND JVIARSHAI.. 
Mr. H. B. Tyson. 

ASSISTANT DIVISION GRAND MARSHALS. 
Mr. James Cresson. G. Carroll Hoover, Esq. 

HERALDS. 

16. Norwood Matthias, Esq. 

GENERALS. 
George Washiington — Mr. Harvey A. Detwiler. 
Anthony Wayne — Mr. Walter L. High. 
Peter Muhlenberg — Mr. Irvin C. Hoover. 

17. Mr. Arthur Williams. 

General Clinton — Mr. C. S. Schlos&er. 

18. Mr. Z. T. Smith. 

General Lafayette — Mr. Eli Wismer. 



BAND — Philharmonic (Reading) — Washington Gray. 

DIVISION GRAND MARSHAL. 

J. Ambler Williams, Esq. 

ASSISTANT DIVISION GRAND MARSHALS. 
Henry C. Welker, M. D. Mr. Thomas H. Livezey. 

HERALDS. 

19. Mr. Ralph Lanz. 

20. Mr. William G. Barber (Bridgeport). 

21. Mr. Howell Seiple. 

22. Mr. Raymond Lanz. 

23. Mr. John J. Hughes, 2nd. 

24. Mr. Carl Detwiler. 

25. Mr. Francis Jamison. 

26. Mr. James AUeva. 

E. 

DRUM CORPS.— 20th Century— Zouave Uniform. 

DIVISION GRAND MARSHAL. 

Mr. Howard Simpson. 

ASSISTANT DIVISION GRAND MARSHALS. 

Mr. William Jarrett. Mr. Wallace Hitner. 



62 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

HliJRALJ>9. 

27. Mr. Domald Roberts. 

General Winfield Scoitit Hanoock — Dr. Calvin Eroh. 

28. Mr. George W. Armstrong, Jr. 

29. Mr. Gustave A. Laaiz, 

30. Mr. H. Milton Kratz. 

31. Mr. George Hitcticock. 

32. Mr. Thomas Kingston. 

LINE OF MARCH. 

Started on Main and Arch. Main to Hamilton, to Marshall, to 
Swede, to Airy, to DeKalb, to Fornanoe, to Powell, to Swede, to 
Airy. 

There was a review of the pageant at City Hall by the offi- 
cials of the Borough, officers of the Historical Society, committees 
and guests. 

A grand review took place at the Court House just before 
dismissal by the Grand Captain and his staff and the Captain. 




Norristown Centennial, May 10, 1912 

1 . Mr. William C. Benner, Assistant Grand Marshal, 

2. Mr. William O. Yost, Assistant Grand Marshal. 

3. Mr. S. Russell Neiman, Assistant Grand Marshal. 



HISTORICAL PAGEANT REPORT 

Piesented to the Historical Society of Montgomery County, November 
16, 1912, by Rev. Theodore Heysham, Ph. D. 



The first historical pageant of the boroug'h of Norristown 
has passed, with credit and with appreciation, into history. 
The report of the labors of those who toiled for its success, 
will this day, I trust, take its place with honor in the annals 
of the Historical Society. 

As organizer and director of this first historical pageant 
of the borough of Norristown, acting in behalf of the Histori- 
cal Society of Montgomery County, I cherish the privilege of 
this occasion : First, to acknowledge with appreciation the 
honor conferred upon me by the Historical Society ; second, 
to state with what genuine gratitude I recall the unstinted 
confidence and generous support of the business public ; and 
third, to confess the deep sense of obligation I feel toward all^ 
who, by suggestion or assistance, helped to make the histori- 
cal pageant a credit to the community and worthy of appreci- 
ative remembrance. 

Nor would I forget the kind words of appreciation so 
generously expressed with reference to the success of the 
pageant. Appreciative as I am of this honor, I, nevertheless, 
desire to share it with all who assisted in making the pageant 
what it was, and especially with Mr. Samuel Roberts and 
Joseph P'ornance, Esq., President of the Historical Society. 
Their assistance, in dilTerent spheres, made it possible for me 
to bear the burdens incident to the undertaking and for the 
borough to witness a creditable pageant. 

Although the responsibility of collecting money, gather- 
ing together materials and men, making decisions as to his- 
torical scenes to be presented and working out the plan of 
the pageant fell on me, I, nevertheless, consulted and advised 
with all with whom I could, and sought to express as best I 
could the desires not of one but of all the people. 



64 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

Besides serving as Grand Captain, Mr. Samuel Roberts 
also took care of the finances. All moneys collected were 
sent to him and all bills were paid by him. His account is 
incorporated in this report. It shows contributions in cash 
amounting to $2700.21 with a balance of $13.64 to be turned 
over to the Historical Society. If to the cash contributions of 
$2700.21 there be added the value represented in all the other 
contributions specified in the report, plus the commission of a 
professional pageant builder, it will be apparent that the his- 
torical pageant of Norristown, May 10, 1912, could not have 
been produced for much less than $5000. 

All these contributions were generously and freely made. 
There was also no charge for services on the part of myself 
or of any of the committee. All served freely and cheerfully. 
The item (38) referring to "pictures taken" was for an event 
after the pageant was over. The cost was borne by those 
who participated and the balance $6.30 turned into the trea- 
sury. Item (i) under "expenses" shows an "allowance for 
band costumes not used" of $101.48. This is a concession 
which I secured from the costumer, Mr. Joseph C. Fischer. 
And in this connection I desire to express my appreciation of 
his services and equipments. 

RECEIPTS. 

1 Gas and Electric Light Co. of Montg. Co |171 00 

2 Grater-Bodey Co 22 00 

3 Mr. H. B. Tyson 75 00 

4 Mr. J. Frank Boyer 20 00 

5 D. M. Yost & Co 20 00 

6 Mr. Marcus Hydeman 25 00 

7 Mr. Isaac Richards 10 00 

8 Freas Styer, Esq 5 00 

9 Mr. Harry B. Stallman 25 00 

10 Montgomery National Bank 20 00 

11 Norristown Trust Co 75 00 

12 Penn Trust Co 25 00 

13 Montgomery Trust Co 50 00 

14 Norristown Water Co 150 00 

15 Mr. Adam Scheldt 189 40 

16 Merchants loe Co 20 00 

17 Mrs. M. J. Fell 10 00 

18 Mr. Lafayette Ross 5 00 

19 First Baptist Church 12 00 

20 First Methodist Episcopal Church 16 00 

21 Mr. F. B. Wildman 50 00 

22 W. K. Gresh & Sons 75 00 




Norristown Centennial, May 10, 1912 

Albert Rowland Garner, M. D., Grand Marshal, Division A. 
Mr. Kenneth Stauffer, Herald 8. 
Mr. Edwin Wentz, Herald 14. 



HISTORICAL. PAGEANT. 65 

23 Borough of Norristown $1140 00 

24 N. H. Larzelere, Esq 10 00 

25 Mr. Charles F. Cloud ] ', 5 qq 

26 Mr. Charles Major 5 00 

27 Mr. Charles Johnson 5 00 

28 Historical Society of Montgomery County .... 270 78 

29 Mr. L. G. Stritzinger ^ 10 00 

30 Peoples National Bank 25 00 

31 Mr. Benjamin Quillman 10 00 

32 Mr. Joseph Curren 5 00 

33 Evans & McGuirk 5 00 

34 Mr. Charles Norris Rambo 5 00 

35 Sale of Pageant Programs 20 92 — $2587 10 

36 Mounted men who paid for costumes (53) 

1 Mr. Samuel Roherts $2 00 

2 Mr. J. Frank Boyer 2 00 , 

3 O. F. Lenhardt, Esq i 00 

4 Mr. S. Russell Neiman 2 00 

5 Mr. William C. Benner 2 00 

6 Mr. J. Harding Reese 2 00 

7 Mr. Frederick E. Dyer 2 00 

8 Mr. Harry P. Hiltner 2 00 

9 Mr. William O. Yoist 2 00 

10 Mr. B. Frank Stritzinger 2 00 

11 Mr. Benjamin F. Evans 2 00 

12 Rev. Theo. Heysham, Ph. D 2 00 

13 Albert Rowland Garner, M. D 2 00 

14 Mr. Chas. W. Walker (Devon) 2 OO 

15 Mr. Lewis Y. Smith (Bridgeport) 2 00 

16 H. Wilson Stahlnecker, Esq 2 00 

17 Mr. J. Futhey Smith 2 00 

18 John Hyatt Naylor, Esq 2 00 

19 Mr. Chas. T. Mather (Wayne) 2 OO 

20 George W. Miller, M. D 2 00 

21 Mr. Morgan Hunter 2 00 

22 Mr. J. Clarence Moyer 2 00 

23 Mr. Percy J. Fell 2 00 

24 Mr. H. Severn Regar 2 00 

25 Mr. James Cresson 2 00 

26 G. Carroll Hoover, Esq 2 00 

27 Norwood Matthias, Esq 2 O'O 

28 Mr. Harvey A. Detwiler 2 00 

29 Mr. Walter L. High 2 00 

30 Mr. Irvin C. Hoover 2 00 

31 Mr. Arthur Williams 2 00 

32 Mr. C. S. Schlosser 2 00 

33 Mr. Z. T. Smith 2 00 

34 Mr. Eli Wismer 2 00 

35 J. Amhler Williams, Esq 2 00 

36 Henry C. Welker, M. D 2 00 

37 Mr. Thomas H. Livezey 2 00 

38 Mr. William G. Barber (Bridgeport) 2 00 

39 Mr. Howard Seiple 2 00 

40 Mr. Raymond Lanz 2 00 

41 Mr. John J. Hughes, 2nd 2 00 

42 "Mr. Carl Detwiler 2 00 

43 Mr. Francis Jamison 2 00 



66 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

44 Mr. Howard Slmptson $2 00 

45 Mr. William Jarrett 2 00 

46 Mr. Wallace Hltner 2 CO 

47 Mr. Donald Roberts 2 00 

48 Dr. Calvin Eroli 2 00 

49 Mr. Geo. W. Armstrong, Jr 2 00 

50 Mr. Gustav A. Lanz 2 00 

51 Mr. George Hitchcock 2 00 

52 Mr. Thomas Kingston 2 00 

53 Mr. H. B. Tyson 2 00—106 00 

37 Interest on money deposited 81 

38 Balance after getting pictures taken 6 30 



?2700 21 



EXPENSES. 

1 Mr. Joseph C. Fischer, costumer: 

724 costumes, $2.00 per $1448 00 

230 guns, 50c. per 115 00 

6 pairs gauntlets (Generals) $1.50 per i 9 00 

60 pairs cotton gloves (horsemen) 15c 9 00 

8 white court wigs — "Fete Float," 75c 6 00 

Costumes, Chain street school float 6 00 

Adams Express Co., guns returned 14 48 

1607 48 

Allowance for band costumes not used 101 48 — $1506 00 

2 Grater -Bodey Company: 

Frames for maps $13 50 

Church moclels 22 70 

Trappers hut float 18 00 

Abolition float 49 00 

Log house float 65 00 

Departure of troops float 75 40 

Governor signs charter float 57 00 

Holy City float 132 00— 432 60 

3 Music: 

Nomistown band 

Germania band 

Philharmonic (Reading) 

20th Century Drum Corps 

$333 33 

S. H. Kendle, quartette 27 76— 361 09 

4 Mr. Wm. C. Benner, 71 saddle cloths, $1.50 per 106 50 

5 Adams Express Company, guns 15 05 

6 Mr. C. Custer, painting models, churches. Old Academy 42 50 

7 Norristown Herald, 100 pageant programs 39 50 

8 Norrisltown Addressing Company 9 00 

9 D. M. Yost & Co 18 15 

10 Janitors' services, 5 churches, Y. M. C. A., Co. F, 35 00 

11 Mr. Benj. F. Wager, carpenter work 2 18 

12 Mr. W. H. Ortlip, painting maps 25 00 

13 Dr. H. C. Dengler, two coupes 8 00 

14 Mr. Harry F. Parvln, 2 horses 6 00 




Norristown Centennial, May 10, 1912 

1 . Mr. Benj. F. Evans, Assistant Grand Marshal. 

2. Mr. Z. T. Smith, Herald 18. 

3. Mr. William G. Barber (Bridgeport). Herald 20. 



HISTORICAL. PAGEANT. 67 

15 Personal and miscellaneous expenses, Dr. Heysliam .. $ 80 00 

xj ^ 1 2686 57 

By balance 13 64 



?270'0 21 
SAMUEL ROBERTS, Treasurer. 



Contributors and their Contributions. 



Much represented under this head was either supplied oi 
paid for direct by the contributor. It was, therefore, impos- 
sible to credit this value in the treasurer's report, but acknowl- 
edgment IS here made as fully and specifically as possible. 

1 Those who furnished and equipped floats as well as provided 
horses, drivers and outriders and paid for all decorations and cos- 
tumes on th© same: 

1 G-rater-Bodey Company Two floats 

2 Gas and Electric Light Co. of Montg. Co. . . One float 

3 Mr. H. B. Tyson One float 

4 D. M. Yost & Co One float 

5 Mr. A^dam Scheldt Two floats 

6 Merchants Ice Company One float 

7 Philadelphia and Reading R. R. Co One float 

Baldwin's Locomotive Works One float 

8 Woman's Suffrage Association One float 

9 W. C. T. U One float 

10 Mr. J. Frank Boyer One float 

11 Montgomery Hose Company One float 

2 Those who furnished and equipped floats as well as provided 
horses, drivers and outriders for the same. 

1 Neiman & Frey One float 

2 Druggists Association One float 

3 RamBo & Regar One float 

3 Those who furnished horses, wagons and drivers. 

1 Mr. W. M. Sullivan One 2-horse team with driver 

2 LeicBilhammer Bak. Oo..One4-horse team with driver 

4 Those who furnished either floats or wagons or horses and 
drivers. 

1 Grater ^Bodey Company One wagon 

2 Gas and Electric Light Co. One float 

3 Mr. H. B. Tyson One wagon 

4 Neiman & Frey Two wagons 

5 B. Evans & Bro Four horses and drivers 

6 Mr. T. V. -Smith Four horses and drivers 

7 Mr. Daniel Sinclair, Jr Two horses and driver 

8 Bodey & Solomon Horses and driver 

9 Mr. B. Frank Stritzinger. ..Horses and driver 

10 Mr. Wm. Schwartz One float 

11 Chain St. public school One float 



68 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

5 Churches furnishing models and paying for costumes. Other 

1 First Baptist Church. ' ^••■-•**^**« 

2 First M:. E. Church. 

3 Reformed Church of the Ascension. 

4 Trinity Lutheran Church loaned pulpit, furniture, etc. 

5 Block Bros. — loaned furniture. 

6 Those furnishing or paying for their own costumes. 

1 iSt. John's P. B. Church. 

2 53 mounted men. Grand Captain, Captain, Marshals, 

Generals and Heralds. 

3 Lodges of Red Men. 

4 Miss Anna Paiste. 

7 Public buildings loaned for costuming purposes. 

1 First Baptist Church. 

2 Bethany Evangelical Church. 

3 Oak Street M. E. Church. 

4 First M. E. Church. 

5 Trinity Lutheran Church. 

6 Y. M. C. A. 

7 City Hall. 

8 Armory Co. F, National Guard. 

8 Those furnishing automobiles to assist in forming the 
pageant. 

1 Mr. Samuel Roberts. 

2 Mr. H. B. Tyson. 

3 John H. Rex, Esq. 

4 Mr. P. V. Hoy. 

5 Mr. J. Truman Ebert. 

And now in laying' down the burden of this responsibili- 
ty, conscious that we have done our best and of your appre- 
ciation ; g^rateful that all bills are paid and a balance in the 
treasury, permit me to make somie suggestions for the pre- 
servaitiom of the Historical Pageant for future generations. 

1. That an album of the Pageant, with as complete a set 
of pictures of the Pageant and the decorations of the town as 
can be secured, be placed in the Historical Society. 

2. That the negatives of these pictures collected at 
great cost of time and patience become the possession of the 
Historical Society. 

3. That suitable provision be made for the use and pre- 
servation of such negatives by the Historical Socielty. 

Respectfully submitted, 

THEODORE HEYSHAM, 

Organizer and Director. 




T^orristown Centennial, May 10, 1912 

G. Carroll Hoover, Esq., Assistant Grand Marshal, Division C. 
Henry C. Welker. M. D., Assistant Grand Marshal, Division D. 
Mr. Percy J. Fell, Assistant Grand Marshal, Division B. 



HISTORICAL PAGEANT. 69 

Pageant Lecture Report. 

Presented to the public through the newspapers of Norristown, April 5, 
1913, by Rev. Theodore Heysham, Ph. D. 



"It gives me pleasure to report to the public the outcome 
of the illustrated lecture on the Historical Pageant of Norris- 
town's Centennial, held in the Grand Opera House on the 
evening of February 25, 1913. 

"The enltertainment was a success in every way. The at- 
tendance was large and the proceeds niot only covered ex- 
pensesj but enabled me to plan for the fitting preservation of 
the historical booklet, as well as to secure for the future a 
part of the public school paigeant. 

"To those who assisted in making this work possible, I 
desire to express my sincere appreciation. The names of 
the patrons and those who assisted in the distribution of 
tickets are appended. I also desire to render a double meas- 
ure of thanks to the Schuylkill Traction Company for their 
kindness in providing a special car, free of charge, for the 
Ursinus College Glee Club and for a similar favor, which was 
unacknowledged in my report on the historical pageant, when 
they provided transportation for fthe college boys who par- 
ticipated in the pageant last May. I regret this oversight, 
but will render full credit in the revised booklet. 

"When I shall have completed the publication of the lit- 
tle book descriptive of the historical pageant, placed the large 
album containing over 250 pictures of the historical pageant, 
street scenes and decorations, groups of citizens and public 
buildings, together with the negatives of the same, in the 
care of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, I shall 
ihink that the part of the first centennial of our boromgh for 
which I feel responsibility has been adequately and worthily 
preserved. 

"The receipts and expenditures connected with the 
pageant ledtiure on February 25th, are as follows : 



70 NORRISTOWN'S HISTORY. 

EiBCBIIPTS. 

D. M, Yost Company $5 00 

Mr. H. H. Ganser 5 00 

Mr. Joseph A. Curren 5 00 

Mr. H. B. Tyson 5 00 

Mr. Samuel Roberts 5 00 

Mr. Adam Scheidt 5 00 

Rambo & Regar 5 00 

Mr. H. C. Gresh. 5 00 

Mr. B. Frank Stritzinger 2 50 

Mr. S. Russell Neiman 2 50 

Mr. B. F. Evans 2 50 

Mr. Frank L. Smitli 2 50 

Mr. H. R. iStallman 2 50 

Mr. M. Hydeman 2 50 

Mr. Samuel K. Anders 2 50 

Mr. George R. Kite 2 50 

Montgomery Evans, Esq 2 50 

Mr. Henry C. Warner 2 50 

Mr. L. G. Stritzinger 2 50 

Mr, F. B. Wildmaji 2 50 

Mr. C. H. Aldierfer 2 50 

Mr. Wm. H. Slioffner 2 50 

Mr. Frank R. Heavner 2 50 

Mr. Wm. H. Weber 2 50 

Mr. Harry Hiltner 2 50 

Mr. Edwin Metcalf 2 50 

Mr. J. Harding Reese 2 50 

Mr. Ambrose B. Umstead 2 50 

Mr. Tbomas Jamison 2 50 

Mr. Frank Lutz 2 50 

J. Ambler Williams, Esq 2 50 

Mr. Ed. C. A. Moyer 2 50 

Mr. Albert Illingwortb 2 50 

Miss Lydia Bamsbaw 3 00 

Miss Elizabeth Royle 3 00 

C. T. Larzelere, Esq 2 00 

Mr. Walter L. High and G. Carroll Hoover, Esq. . . 2 00 

Mr. Wni. G. Barber 2 25 

Mr. Samuel W. Lattimore 2 00 

Mr. George Weirman 4 00 

Mr. Harvey Rex • • ■* 25 

O. F. Lenhardt, Esq 1 00 

Mr. Thomas V. Smith 1 00 

Miss Anna S. Heysham 1 25 

Mr. A. J. Schissler 1 00 

Mr. Harvey A. Detwiler 1 25 

Mr. E. J. Wanner 1 00 

Mr. S. Cameron Corson 1 50 

Mr. Howard Simpson 1 50 

Mr. Percy J. Fell 1 25 

Mr. John H. O'Neill 1 50 

Mr. Harry W. Akins 1 00 

Mr. Thomas Kingston 1 50 

George W. Stein, M. D 1 50 

Joseph Knox Fomance, Esq 50 

Miss Frances M. Fox - 75 




Norristown Centennial, May 10, 1912 

1. Mr. Howard Simpson, Grand Marshal, Division E. 

2. Mr. William Jarrett, Assistant Grand Marshal, Division E. 

3. Mr. Wallace Hitneir, Assistant Grand Marshal, Division Ek 



HISTORICAL PAGEANT. 71 

ll«y. Benoni Bates ® 5q 

Mr. Russell E. Crawford ...'."." 75 

Rev. Frank E. Graeff 75 

A. R. Garner, M. D * 25 

Mr. Lewis Y. Smitli- .......'. 25 

Mr. John Hartman [[[[ 25 

Miss Kajtherine Kutz 25 

Mr. Leonard Allen \ 25 

Mr. Edward Simpson ',',,] 50 

H. W. Stahlnecker, Esq * 50 

Mr. Wesley B. Beyer [ . 50 

Sale of tickets for Grand Opera House 166 55 

Total 1313 80 

EXPENSES. 

Grand Op'&ra House $90 00 

Orcliestra 40 00 

Herald, printing and advertising 8 85 

Times, advertising 4 80 

Register, advertising 4 80 

Slides, operator, general expenses 110 50 

Total $258 95 

Receipts $313 80 

Expenses $258 95 



Balance $54 85 



DEC 19 1913 



W 98 



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